Charlotte's Birth Story

I regret not writing this down sooner but the longer I wait the more I'll forget so here it goes. Thankfully we are able to get pregnant easily but that's about where the "easy" stops for me with the whole experience. So while it is bittersweet to not be pregnant anymore and feel her moving around etc it's mostly sweet and not much bitter ;) Charlotte is the happiest, easiest baby I have ever seen. She is such a blessing to our family, God knew exactly what I needed when he knit that sweet girl together. We were very iffy on my due date. Between May 31 to the beginning of June. So although according to my doctor I was 41 weeks and some change (overdue) her size and just the unknown of dates makes me think I was 40 weeks and some change when she was born. Anyways. We stopped progesterone shots a few weeks before my due date and just like Penelope I had tons of contractions and was @ 4cm and 100% before real labor even started. June 8 I went to the doctor and we did a second sweep. Later that afternoon I was having contractions 5 minutes apart for 2 hours or so. When they got longer and stronger and closer together we called a friend to come stay with P and L and headed to the office. (If it's during office hours they want you to come in so you don't waste a trip to the hospital) I was emotional leaving Liam and Penelope but was pretty calm and excited. At the office I was a 4/5. He said I was making progress but not any huge change and to go walk and if they slow down go home and if they get worse go on in. So will and I went to Target and walked. They got so intense we left a full cart in the middle of the aisle. We got checked in and she said I was still a 4/5. Man I was really feeling like they should be doing more but they went ahead and admitted me. I walked some more and very slowly got to 7 and stayed at a 7 until 5am. Those contractions were painful but I was able to breath through them. A friend had made these scripture cards that I used a lot and I kept asking will to talk about Jesus and Liam and Penelope and the anticipation of meeting Charlotte. Mostly I was kneeling in bed during or squatting on the floor during  this time but different positions helped at different times. We  decided to break my water at that time. I have a difficult time describing what I felt other than fear that I was going to die. It was incomparable to what I felt with Liam and Penelope. I screamed for the Doctor and Nurse to get out of the room so I could be alone with Will. I put my face up to his and said babe I need the epidural but I'm so afraid you will be disappointed in me. He of course reassured me I NEEDED the epidural and was so proud of me and I had suffered long enough basically. I requested the epidural and thankfully the anesthesiologist was right outside the room. My nurse and will did counter pressure on my hips while I waited which was all of 2 contractions. So thankfully it was so quick. My nurse said she has never seen one administered so quickly. Praise God. Also my nurse had 4 natural labors so she totally knew where I was. Well once he did the epidural there was no time to do a catheter or anything I said I feel baby's head between my legs and sure enough she was coming. 1 push and she was here! I'll never ever forget reaching for my sweet Charlotte. I mean she was so precious and beautiful. We cried tears of joy. All of the sickness and shots just instantly meant nothing. While I didn't get the relief of the epidural for contractions or pushing I was thankful for it for the "recovery" if you will. Mommas you know what I'm talking about :) stitches without any numbing are not fun. That was by far the most traumatic part of Penelope's birth. I had told Will 2 weeks before Char was born in tears. "I know I can do contractions, transition and pushing but I'm so scared of the stitches after. I wish they could just give me an epidural for the stiches after." Isn't that just wild?! Why am I surprised when God gives me just what I need?  She was a strong nurser right away and recovery was a breeze as much as childbirth recovery can be and we were able to leave the hospital 24 hours later. That first shower after is just the most refreshing shower of life. Will was amazing as usual. That man shines in any kind of crisis or intense situation. He was up all day, all night and then once I got settled went to the kids "last day of school programs" he had a hard time leaving Char but loved on me by being there for them while char and I rested. He came right back to hospital and the 3 of us were able to spend more time together. The big kids came up that afternoon/evening I think around 4:00. It was an even sweeter moment and experience than I could have dreamed up. We needed Charlotte and I'm grateful to God that she is here safe and sound!

October and November 2015

Man this Friday will be seven weeks of sickness. My doctor diagnosed me with hyperemesis gravidarum. Having this diagnosis gave me freedom. Freedom from feeling guilt so heavy for failing so miserably at everything except laying in bed and going to the bathroom to throw up. It emotionally drained me. I ENJOY being active and productive and serving my family and others by cooking and cleaning and errands and investing in others and when all that is taken away it feels like your purpose is taken away. Will is sweet to gently remind me my only job right now is growing this new babe. It allowed me to look on Instagram and blogs and see how other women went through this and were DEPRESSED because it's depressing to feel like you are losing months of you family's lives and events. I didn't have the energy or ability or even read a book or give a bath. I spent 23 hours a day in bed. It gave me freedom to not feel this need to say "I'm so sick but at least I can be pregnant" no! It's okay to just be miserable and sick and not apologize or be grateful. Not to say you aren't thankful for this sweet new life. But you don't need to "feel" thankful during every deep, dark moment of misery. It's okay to be depressed. The sweet end to this for me as that the medicine works! Zofran took me from throwing up 20 times a day to throwing up 5 times a week. It kept me hydrated and out of the hospital. And I'm getting these pockets of time, these 2-3 hours of time that I can be out of bed playing with my kids, helping with chores, feeling human again. I'm 12 weeks tomorrow and praying complete relief comes soon. Our doctor gave us the option to have blood work done to show us gender, babies DNA, any abnormalities, etc so we did the sonogram today and will get the results soon. The technician said "I think it's a boy but don't hold me to it!" We are thrilled and can't wait to find out for sure. I needed to know the gender this early this time! I need to bond with this baby. I have felt so distant during this pregnancy. With Liam and Penelope I was really sick, and I think some of it you forget but I know it wasn't this bad, living in bed. 

So totally switching gears! Maryland. We moved to a suburb of DC in Maryland on October 1st. We sold our home in Saratoga Woods in Louisville KY. When we bought that house we bought it as an investment. We got it for a steal and it needed a lot of love! Will put his blood sweet and tears in it and it caught on fire! Our world fell apart and stopped all at the same time. Little did we know it would be one of the worst and best things to ever happen to us. The housing market in DC is double what it is in Louisville! How could we afford a home there? The money we made on the house in Louisville allowed us to get into a home and neighborhood we LOVE here! We joke that we were praying about Maryland and God said "I'll set their house on fire to get them there." And it isn't funny, it's serious. 9 months have gone by and not one day has passed that we haven't said the words fire or insurance. It's literally rebuilding your life. While we didn't lose everything, we lost most of it. Its just been overwhelming facing all of these events in a year. But what a blessing! We have grown! And grown! And grown some more! Personally, in our marriage, in our faith. Challenge is a blessing. Change is a blessing. It's rough and hard and good for us! I feel like when Liam was born premature, Will and I grew up that week. We went from kids to adults. Not knowing if your child will live changes you. Then seeing God grow and heal their little body changes you some more. It makes you not care about anything, anything at all. It doesn't make me perfect. But I'm grateful for what it did to my heart. Anyways, while we had challenges since he was born, nothing really rocked my world, I mean it would be "little and normal stuff" I can't really think of an example but I guess that shows it was nothing major. Until the fire. And while I still want my house to be cozy and welcoming and pretty and I still like Tory Burch ;) I know that tomorrow my house could burn down and it wouldn't matter. What matters is Jesus and Will and Liam and Penelope and this sweet 12 week old "boy but don't hold me to it"

We love it in Maryland. Will loves his job, Liam and Penelope are flourishing. I'm ready for routine and deeper friendships and just functioning as a human but I know it's a good situation for us. The church has been so generous and kind and welcoming especially since I have been sick. 

Thanksgiving is in three days! Cheers to family and friends, yummy food and grateful hearts! 

Morning sickness

I really wish I would make time to blog more but I just know it's not going to happen. But I am so thankful to have these little snipets to look back on as our family grows. Will and I email the kids and we will give them those email addresses when we feel they need it most, possibly their 18th birthdays or before they get married. But I'm glad to have the occasional blogposts as well. I found out we were expecting our third child on September 22, I had a very faint positive test, on the 25th it was boldly a YES! Since you can't have a false positive I don't know why I felt the need to take 3 tests total! I just couldn't believe it! I was just praising Jesus for this new little life! Will had already been living in Maryland where we were moving to shortly so I didn't think it would happen so fast! That's a gift I don't take for granted, with so many suffering with the grief of infertility, when I get sick with morning sickness or have to go on bed rest, etc I remember to be thankful that it's easy for us to get pregnant. Which brings me to my second point, morning sickness, I just feel so miserable all the time. It feels like constant motion sickness. It started on the 9th and got progressively worse. I have had several hour stretches in these last 11 days that I feel almost normal, but I still cry I want the sickness to go away so badly. I know it means a healthy pregnancy so that is a gift. I go to the doctor for my first appointment tomorrow. Praying for a good report and for some medicine to provide some relief. I think I am 9 weeks along but they will confirm that tomorrow. I want to post soon about Maryland and the big kids but I really quickly wanted to hop on here so I would remember some dates and details.

Pinspiration

The projectgirl.com and younghouselove.com were the first websites to really push us to hey we can do any of this! 

Fireplace After

Fireplace Before

The first thing Will said when we walked into our house was "I'm going to knock that wall down and build a new fireplace." And that is just what he did. The first thing I said is "When can I get hardwood floors?" and That is the second thing he did.

Restoration Hardware Lighting Hack

I had my eye on these light fixtures (had them in my online cart totaling $1000) for several months. When Will and I were at Target the other day I jumped up and down in the lamp shade aisle and purchased these two guys for $17 a piece. We went straight to Lowes where will spent $80 on two electrical box kits and extra tubing to make them longer in our vaulted ceiling dining room. He then removed our dust/curry infested fan😉😂😂. And went into the attic to work his electrician magic. And walah! Is that a word? I have my dream lights for under $100. A tenth of the price. Will is super smart and handy but since we have purchased this house I have been amazed at his talent. He basically can do anything plumbing, electric, drywall, painting, installing, building! He watches YouTube videos to get pointers. It's super hot 😉

Back at it

Hellooo anyone out there? I have been working part time, up to 20 hours a week and because of our hard work, the Lord's provision and Will's wisdom we have been able to cut that number done to about 9 hours a week! Basically it's changing our lives. We have almost never had a regular weekend our whole 8 year relationship. Someone has always worked on Saturday or Sunday either will @ Starbucks or in ministry or myself at Joseph's! This past Saturday I told Will I felt like I was on vacation as we had opportunity to serve each other by letting each other nap/ sleep in, leisurely get yard work accomplished, errands ran, trip to the pool and entertaining friends after church on Sunday.  Because of our experiences I will never take financial stability and family time for granted. Sooo with my new stay at home mom schedule (except mondays) I decided to blog again!
My biggest new hobby is nutrition! I am finally leaning about macronutrients and how to fuel our bodies efficiently. So I'm sure I will be writing a lot about that, and the kiddos and our house remodel.  So drop in and hopefully there will be something to read :)

A quarter of a century

I have always had an older sister, older cousins, older friends, older co-workers, older husband. I have always been the young one. But I too am growing older and just growing, as a lover of Christ, lover of my family. I wish I could go back and tell my 16 year old self to relax... The Lord has THE PERFECT man for you that will pursue you and love you like crazy. I wish I could go back and tell my 16 year old self to be kind to everyone because they are all fighting a hard battle. It's in these perfect moments now in life that will strengthen me when I need it, when things are rough. But I can't help but shed tears of joy now for all of this mercy in this life that I don't deserve.
My beautiful home and sweet son and daughter are what I always wanted. But I want most for them to see that Christ is all that matters. No matter what else happens.

Liam,
You are almost three. I want the time to just stand still with you. You are so full of joy, life, playfulness and love.
You can't stay away from Penelope. You kiss and play and talk to her all day. You call her "p baby" and you are starting to boss her around- telling her shh quiet, no, no, no p baby, etc.
You really enjoy building blocks, playing with trains, coloring. You say build tunnel and trains talk... You always want your stool to help me with any task- doing the dishes etc, you say help clean.
You think daddy and me are so funny. Tonight we were play wrestling in the kitchen and you said you hurt me!
You say momma, me Liam a treat at target :)
You talk about your upcoming 3rd birthday party at the fire station all the time- several times a day. You want to make sure momma and daddy and p baby will be there!
You love staying at grandcraig and Lindsey's. you want to leave our wing and go to their side all the time.
You love to go to church and community group.
You love play place- which includes all about kids, chick fil a and the playground.
Tonight you ate 5 meatballs and sauce and spaghetti for dinner.
You love chocolate milk.
You like to pick out your clothes- your fave is train, car, bike, truck shirts.
You run in our room every morning so happy to see us and you always come to my side, you say hi with a big smile on your face. I say hi and you say morning. I say did you have a good night with good dreams and you say good!
Me and daddy call you and each other friend so you have started mimicking that.
We couldn't be more proud of the big boy you are becoming and pray for God's grace to work in your heart that you see your sin and need for Him.
We pray you love God more than anyone or anything.

Thank you for teaching me patience and to enjoy every minute!

Love,
Your mom

2013 is going to be good

Why is keeping up with blogging so difficult sometimes? I guess like everything else once you haven't done something in a long time it's hard to pick it back up again.

This blog is largely centered around the kiddos so I will start there...

Liam is learning so much everyday. We have seen a huge jump in communication with him these last few months. He can (in his own way) express pretty much anything he wants... I'll write down a few words he can say:

hand, help, more, milk, stay, birds, bar (cereal bar), o's (cherrios), juice, chair, door, open, close, car, train, truck, go, not yet, sorry, love, momma, dada, g (for my mom), gancaig (for grand craig for my dad), church, god, cup, bowl, spoon, house, ball, snack, show, dark, scary, no, yes, potty, shirt, hair, mouth, eyes, boo-boo, ear, party, blue, green, red, yellow, one, two, five, nine, bread, it's hot, it's cold, down, too high, her turn, my turn, baby, big, too big, in there, chase, jack, up, down, snow, rain, tire, water, bubble, wipe, diaper, okay, please, pants, it's all gone, I don't know where it go, I got it, bike, yes ma'am, sorry, thank you, there you go, see it.
He has more words than this, than I can count. If I had to guess I would say 300?

We are so proud of his hard work and thankful that God is allowing his little mind to grow and expand. He is so fun and energetic. Liam is going to be really funny like his daddy, he makes everything in his whole day fun, work, play and everything in between he likes to be silly and laugh. He loves to run and play and be outside. He also really enjoys doing craft time with painting and play dough. He is doing great with potty training. He goes #1 in the potty all the time but we are still working on #2. I am just being very patient with it. Honestly I thought he wouldn't start until 3 so I am pleased with his interest and attention to want to go potty. He adds so much joy to our lives. It's so neat to see yourself and your spouses personalities combined into one little 2 year old.  

He is also learning other things that are more fine and gross motor skills, like putting his getting dressed and undressed, getting his stool when he needs it and brushing teeth more on his own, washing hands more on his own, turning lights on and off, getting things he needs for himself, he is really growing in independence. He still likes to snuggle with his blanket and a watch a show with me after nap time and before bedtime so I am loving that he still needs his momma. 

My sweet little Penelope is a little doll, she is always smiling and now always eating! She was a huge nurser and now she spends much of her day in her high chair eating big girl food, she still wants to nurse often, I do not see her weaning anytime soon. She is 8 months old and she is busy! She has been crawling for a month or more now and she can go from all positions- laying, sitting, crawling, standing. She isn't cruising yet, but I think it won't be long?!? sniff... I think I baby her more than Liam- I still think of her as a little newborn, when I see pictures of her I'm like wow my child is not that big! She has 1 tooth. She still wakes up once a night to eat around 3:00am and goes right back down. She sleeps on her side in the fetal position snuggling with her little giraffe pink lovie with a bink in her mouth. She enjoys big puzzles, stacking cups, baby dolls, Liam's cars, puffs, oranges, waving, saying dada and momma and night night. She is wearing 6-12 months clothes. She is really attached to me but also happy when others hold her. She is the happiest when I hold her and someone else talks to her. She think anything Liam does is the best thing ever even when he pounces on her. :) The other day I took a shower and left them playing- very close by ( 5 feet from the shower) and when I came out Liam had colored on her face and was feeding her play dough! They are definitely getting more mischievous. Side note: I had no idea he could open a container of play dough!

Liam's schedule keeps us busy with preschool 2 days a week and therapy 2 days a week, leaving us with one totally free day. 

We love being back in Louisville. We are still staying at my dad and Lindsey's house and they are so sweet and accommodating to us! They have given us plenty of space to use! We are looking for a house right now. Out target date is beginning of summer but our schedule is somewhat flexible. I surely hope God allows us to find the right home in 2013! 

Will is doing so great at his job and his schedule is flexible so he gets to come home for lunches most days. I still love my job too (I just work 1 day a week). 

We are obsessed with our church. I have grown more spiritually in the last few months than I have in the past few years. I learned to trust God the most when Liam was born so little and sick, but I have desired God more now than ever. Our community group is amazing- truely a group of believers to live life together, to pray for each other, to lean on each other, to have fun with one another. 

The first 5 years of our marriage have been a blast and little chaotic, so we are trying to plan the next 5 years to be a little more boring ;)

I am just soaking up the time with these babies because before we know it they will be in school and not spending their mornings with me playing blocks and coloring/
Loving this stage God has placed our family in. Praying for patience until we are in our own place.

Life is an adventure!

When moving to Florida, It never crossed my mind we would live in Louisville again. In fact I am still struggling with it being a reality in my head. I thought we would never be near family, somewhere familiar, etc. again, and I was okay with that. Jimmy Scroggins once told me I would be happier and safer anywhere inside of  God's will than I ever would be at "home" out of God's will.  Imagine my surprise when Will looked at me after several phone conversations one night a couple of weeks ago and said "what about Louisville? God is calling me to be apart of Sojourn Community Church."
It was difficult to leave Florida. Most can't understand that because "I was getting to go home." But to me Florida had become my home.
We are so happy here in Louisville and love, I mean LOVE our church. We get to hear the Gospel every week and they have a wonderful children's program. I will write a whole post on Sojourn soon. It has been so sweet to get to reunite with family and friends. We think we have the best friends in the whole world, friends that pray for us, spend time with us, help us, encourage us, laugh with us and raise our kids with us.
Will has an 8-4:30 job that he enjoys and that pays the bills as well as interning at Sojourn. I am working for my old boss, Kelli 10 hours a week.
My parents graciously opened up their homes to us, so we are staying with my dad for a few months and then will stay with my mom for a few months. This is such a blessing because we are going to knock out student loans very quickly. We are on a complete spending freeze until we are out of debt. I mean, fun will be days at home and at parks (we are not getting zoo membership, etc), clothes will be washed often because I kept the kids fall and winter wardrobe down to the necessities  we will be joyfully using our I phone 3's until they don't make calls anymore, no vacations, etc. We have everything we need and more and are so content not to make purchases!
Liam and Penelope made the adjustment seamlessly! Two of our precious friends from Florida helped us make the trip up here. And the kids are so flexible they haven't missed a beat.
Penelope has the most personality I have ever seen in a baby! She is always smiling! She will be 4 months tomorrow. She is still exclusively breastfed and Lord willing will stay that way until 6 or 7 months when we start a few solids. She rolls over and does the tripod sitting up, she is pretty tough as her big brother is getting more playful with her. Liam will be 2 and a half next week and he is so sweet and fun! He is slowly but surely improving on his speech, which we are thankful for.

Sometimes it is scary to follow the Lord's will but it is always a blessing.

Always behind on the blog!

Our little family is in a routine and able to spend sweet time with each other. Liam and Penelope are totally bonding! He has started calling her "her", he tickles her, hugs her, kisses her, holds her hands and feet while in the stroller, he wants her by his side, he has started trying to pick her up which is really funny/dangerous! She smiles so big while watching him play and he gladly hands over his toys and beloved blankie to her. Liam is saying too many words to count- outside, snack, hot, down, bird, ball, balloon, nose, toes, eyes, bubble, cheese, the numbers 2, 9 and 11, etc really random stuff. Yesterday we went to chick fil a after a target run and he happily exclaimed PLAY PLACE.

Penelope will be 3 months on September 5th and she is sleeping 9pm to 3 or 4am, it still kind of varies. I would love her to make it until the morning ie 7 or 8, but I really really don't mind getting up with her. Sometimes she wants to eat at like 12, 2, 4, 6: now those nights I am not so happy ;) she smiles and coos but hasn't given us an official laugh yet. She is so happy though, often times I'll be feeding her and she just grins at me so big it's hard to get her to eat because she just wants to look at me and smile! She is a great eater which is awesome! She rolls from belly to back but only 4 or 5 times and never back to belly. She really enjoys tummy time but starts to cry when she gets tired. The girl loves her playmat and bumbo. And enjoys her bouncer too. She plays with her owl and zebra on her carseat. We really rely on mylicon and her paci as she has some stinky little gas (sorry p for telling on you). 

Liam is learning and growing at a tremendous rate. He was really struggling with going to sleep for a couple of weeks and I feel like we are coming out of that. We are starting to introduce potty training. His new ability to communicate has made parenting him 100 times easier. 

We had a few minor issues post labor and delivery but saw my doctor Thursday and I have the official okay to run. I ran 1 mile Friday and 1.5 miles Saturday, boy am I out of shape.  It is so good for my soul to run, I can't wait too get back in the groove and build up my endurance. 

The complications throughout the pregnancy left us with a huge bill! But we trust the lord to provide and can take all the time we need to pay it off. 

The summer is over and will had a great time/ did a wonderful job leading at the camps and me and the kids were able to visit Louisville. The kids great aunts, uncles, and great grandparents, friends, etc were able to meet and love on Penelope. 

We have a new interm pastor at our church and will was able to baptize a precious little girl at church this morning.  Praise the lord for saving her soul! 

We were planning on feeling some strong effects of hurricane Isaac today but it ended up not being too bad for our area just wind and rain.

Will turned 31 on the 11th! I am so blessed to call him mine. I love him on a whole new level parenting our children together and living away from other family. 

Im sure I am leaving plenty out but I want to remember as much of this stage as I can but don't know where to start! 

June

Penelope, you are such a delight to us. You are one week old today. You eat every three hours and during the night you give me a stretch of 4-6 hours. Your GB is here and gets up with your brother at 7 so you and I can sleep until 10. You are starting to be so alert during the day. You like to look at and listen to me, your dad and brother. P, you are now three weeks old. You and your brother dont't give me much time to blog :) you have the biggest blue eyes. You look up at us with them and we say you look like a little owl. I would much rather hold you, play trains with him or get a nap! Your daddy's parents got to meet you last week and of coarse they loved you to pieces. You rolled from belly to back this morning, which is really early- you are so strong! You like being on your tummy but I make you sleep on your back at night so you can safely breath. You are such a sweetheart and you go with the flow. We go to at least 1 place once a day like publix, target, chick fil a, the playground, etc. to get Liam out and to do errands and you happily tag along. I had forgotten a few things about life with a newborn: I have to take QUICK showers, I am exhausted from night time feedings and time is flying! I have learned that 2 babies crying is 100 times worse than 1 baby crying. Liam is saying more words, praise the lord! Wait, there, what's that?, down, more, go, bye, choo-choo, vroom, roar are some I can think of right now.

Penelope's Birth June 5th, 2012

The weekend after my appointment came and went and still no baby. I was still having consistent, not painful but mildly uncomfortable contractions. So we decided to have Dr. Dyal break my water on Tuesday morning at 8:00 am. I was super worried this wasn't the right thing to do and that this intervention would lead to more interventions. But I knew that this wasn't rational, it was just fear. so we arrived at hospital at 8:00. we got checked in and in a room, my doctor had gone back to the office to be with appointments until noon. They gave me an I.V. And it wasn't bad at all! It is usually one of the worst parts for me. I wasn't hooked up to anything but it's called a Hepi-lock so they have access just in case. From 9:00 to 12:00 Will and I just hung out and killed time and he even snuck me in a kids turkey sandwich from Firehouse. At 12:00 she came in and examined me and I was still a solid 4, 100% and -1 station which I was bummed about that I hadn't had any change since Thursday. She then broke my water and I went from 12:00 to 2:00 with little to no pain. I spent time standing, walking and on the birthing ball to try to get things moving. Then at 2:00 the nurse came in and said Dr. Dyal had called and was watching my contractions and asked my pain level and might want to start pitocin if I felt comfortable with it. I declined it and said let's see where I'm at at 4:00. About 10 minutes later I was in full force active labor. It took Will off guard because we were talking and laughing and all of the sudden I snapped at him for not being over by me and on his computer and told him I could not get in control of the pain. I don't remember everything but I just know I had intense contractions every few minutes. I did get good breaks in between them and was able to breath through them with Will's help, I tried to lay down a couple of times and it would throw me into another contraction, so the most comfortable position would just be rocking forward and backward on the birthing ball and leaning on Will like we were dancing and sway. I was in really bad pain and knew it was happening fast. With Liam I just laid in bed on my left side in the fetal position and'moaned through them while Will rubbed my back so this was really different. My nurse Angie was awesome! I had prayed I would have a nurse that supported natural childbirth and she totally did. I asked her to check me and I was 6cm. Yay only 4 more to go! 20 minutes later I asked to be checked again 7.5. Woah. We are having this baby soon. I start yelling loud through each contraction, I ripped the contraction monitor and baby heart rate monitor off. I'm in transition I say I can't do it. I ask for something to take the edge off. I ask to get checked and I'm 9cm. I tell her I don't want any medicine. The doctor arrives and i tell her to hurry up and check me I want to have Penelope. I'm 9.5, she tries to help me get to 10 on the right side. I feel the urge to push, I give a couple little test pushes and Penelope was turned a bit. It was painful, it was 3 good pushes and she was here! Active labor was 2.5 hours from 2:10 to 4:37, with 6 minutes of pushing. She was amazing. She was so beautiful they put her right on my chest and she starting nursing right away for an hour! She weighed 7 pounds 7 ounces and was 19 and 3/4 inches long. Will was perfect! He said all the right things and was right there for me the whole time. Everyone kept telling us what a good team we were. I needed a few stitches and it was painful and Will had to sit down because he felt like he might pass out while that was happening. The whole experience couldn't have been more perfect. I was just so thankful it was so quick. We are so blessed she is so healthy. We got to go home the next day and she has been the best little baby. A really good strong eater and wonderful sleeper. Liam is so good with her. At their first meeting at the house the day after she was born he showed very little interest in her and the days following he began rubbing her hands and face so gentle and soft and giving her sweet kisses. He goes to check on her often in her Moses basket and talks to her. The day after we got home we took her to the pediatrician, it was his only rule since he discharged us just 24 hours after she was born. She was in her carseat on the family room floor and Liam began giving her diapers and a paci and lipgloss, it was really cute like she needs all this stuff! Will amd I were married for 4 years June 6th and he went to go get me a smoothie snd came back with a little wedding bell charm for my pandora bracelet and 2 clips. It was really sweet. And Ashley watched Liam while we went to the pediatrician and five guys with Penelope so we even got a little date! It has been the best week and will try to blog more about her first week home soon. We did her newborn pictures today and I realized while watching Liam and Penelope get their photograph taken that my heart is so full!

39 weeks

We had an exciting doctor's appointment today. I am 4 centimeters dilated and 100% effaced. I had no idea someone could be inbetween early and active labor for this long but apparently you can be! She stripped my membranes and hopefully, my contractions will get more painful (yes a weird thing to hope for) or my water will break. She will break my water for me next week if I choose. I'm glad it's a wait and see kind of thing. I don't have to commit to anything I don't want to do. The baby and I are both healthy so there is nothing to be concerned about. I have contractions regularly all the time they just don't have the intensity to make me dilate a centimeter an hour, etc. We are ready for miss Penelope to come in every way. Getting a little sad about the change from one child to two, but I know it will be so good for Liam. I would love to hear from anyone who was this far into labor and was induced by water breaking and not pitocin. I am leaning towards getting my membranes stripped again on Monday and not getting my water broken until I am 5 centimeters. I have googled it and read lots of positive stories but would love to hear how it went for someone I actually know- negative or positive. I don't like the idea of intervention and want to be patient but it's like I am in labor, just the slowest labor EVER. I think that is all :) maybe next time I post it will be b/c she has arrived!

Penelope's Attempted Birthday

On Friday morning I started having mild contractions but they were really irregular. I had them all day, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. But hours would go by without one, so I didn't take it too seriously until Monday afternoon at 3:00 they became more regular and I hadn't felt her move in a while. So Will got someone to come stay with Liam and got all of our stuff in the car. We headed to the hospital, we thought we were going to get sent home because my contractions weren't painful. But we knew there was a possibility that she would come that night. They hooked me up to the monitors and I was contracting every 2 to 3 minutes! They gave me 3 shots, kept contracting, they gave me a pill, still contracting. I went from 0centimeters dilated to 2 centimeters pretty quick. I was officially in early labor. They admitted me and put me in a labor and delivery room. They then tried one more medicine called magnesium sulfate and it worked! It was a terrible experience- made me really sick and hot. But super thankful it slowed and then stopped the contractions. I was weaned off of the medicine for the next 48 hours then released to go home on bed rest. It feels so good to be at home and with Liam. My mom got here yesterday and is amazing taking care of Liam so Will can work and get rest, etc. her and Liam are at the playground and pool in our neighborhood right now. I didn't get to go to the airport to pick her up but Liam ran to her and wanted to hold her hand the whole day. He chases her around everywhere she goes. It's precious. I did totally break the rules and went to my baby shower last night, but it just meant so much to me since Liam was at his baby shower! My sweet friends here did an amazing job and made it so pretty and special. Penelope got great stuff too! I sat with my feet up the whole time. I am staying in bed 100% today. I will be 37 weeks on Thursday snd go to my weekly check-up so I don't know if I'll get to come off bed rest and they will let me have her at that point. We are just taking it one day at a time. I'm just so thankful I got to be the one hooked up to the IV and sick and not her. My doctor is out of town all weekend but my mom is here. So I am trying not to worry one way or the other. I know God is protecting her and He is the only one that knows her birthday. I will say these early contractions are NOTHiNG compared to pitocin contractions, these feel like being uncomfortable. Pitocin contractions feel like death. I know that these natural contractions will eventually hurt way worse than they do now and get more intense but I am relieved to know those little bitty cramps did 2 centimeters of work! Now I just have 8 more to go :) We will let everyone know when the next time comes and we bring a baby home with us!

35 weeks

Penelope has decided she is about ready to make her appearance! The doctor thinks she will be here at 36 weeks. I am still hoping for 37. I am on bedrest until she comes. We are so excited to meet her! Next Thursday I have a shot, a doctor's appointment, my mom flies in and I have a baby shower so I am really hoping to make it that far.  We just love our little girl so much and are so excited to meet her. We are praying she is healthy and praying that God would keep her in safe.

March and April

Sorry for how random and out of order this post is...

I am just trying to get it up so I can remember all that is going on right now in this crazy time in our lives!

Easter Lunch
A sweet family hosted Liam and I at their beach house while Will was out of town.
33 weeks with Penelope Kate
Liam's Thomas cake I made, I know I am no pro! :)

Easter:

Our week was a little unusual. Wednesday night Will preached about the cross and it was awesome. Thursday morning he flew home to see his parents for the day and he drove one of their cars home to use for a couple of years. He had a great visit with them. Liam and I visited with a sweet family at their beach house while he was gone. It was so much fun! It was so good to get away. It was only a 30 minute drive but it felt like vacation. We couldn't wait to see Will on Saturday night, he got home at 1:00 am. It is so obvious Liam missed him so much! All day Sunday he wanted to hug and be held by daddy. Will's parents sent him home with tons of adorable clothes for Penelope and Liam, it made me even more anxious for her to get here so I can dress her up in all of these sweet little clothes. On Sunday at church we had a sunrise service, breakfast and regular service. A couple of really sweet families invited us over, but Will requested a family day since we hadn't seen him since Wednesday and it was perfect! I made my first Easter lunch, scalloped potatoes, ham and spinach salad. We visited Coldstone for dessert! Liam got totally spoiled by the Easter Bunny (aka the grandparents) and enjoyed hunting for Easter eggs outside. He would only pick the ones up off the ground, he wouldn't get them out of bushes or tress even when he saw them. We also all took a really long nap. A photographer friend took our picture on Easter but I haven't seen it yet.

Liam's 2nd Birthday:

We celebrated Liam's birthday as a family and he had a wonderful day! We decorated his door with streamers and hung his happy Birthday banner, which he really enjoyed. Our day was full of lots of toys sent by family. We just went to Moe's Mondays for dinner, the kid loves a cheese quesadilla.

Penelope:

I have made it to 33 weeks! Yay! Not easily though. I have spent several late evenings on my left side guzzling water getting BH contractions to stop. Thankful they always do. I have to spend several hours a day laying down, still getting my P17 shots and am not allowed to run or lift anything, etc. I have stuck to the doctor's orders except I have lifted Liam some.

If I can go to Orlando and back, have the Malko's visit and get a couple of weeks into May and to 37 weeks she will be full term.

We leave tomorrow and can't wait to see Grandcraig, Lindsey, Ashley, Troy, Chase and Brody! We love and miss them so much.

Our Family (including Penelope at 30 weeks)

Will and I were able to go to the Real Marriage Conference a couple weeks ago and it was awesome! Mark Driscoll did a wonderful job and it was nice to get away. We had a few free hours and it was a beautiful day so we went downtown and ate outside at Cheesecake Factory and walked around little boutiques. I honestly forgot what a skyline looked like! It was refreshing to be back in a big city for a weekend! haha! the picture above is Liam walking around in Ft. Lauderdale
Liam showing off his artwork with his daddy.
We took Liam to his first movie. The Lorax. It was such a cute movie and Liam loved it, he sat in his daddy's lap and munched on popcorn. We took him last minute, so it was late, I think we got out at like 10:00pm.
Mommy and Liam in Ft. Lauderdale
My guys at the beach. We live about 45 minutes from Siesta Key and my hospital and doctor are about 10 minutes from it, since I have to go weekly, it is a pretty good excuse to go to the beach. Liam loves the waves in the ocean and playing in the sand.

I had my 30 week check-up yesterday and we did have some signs of preterm labor. My doctor said "I am telling you are between take it easy and moderate bedrest." So no more running or lifting and off my feet a few hours a day. I can still leave the house, drive, do housework. I got to see Penelope and despite all of these ultrasounds I had never seen her face, she ALWAYS has her little hands up by it, but yesterday I got to see her 4D, super clear, she is precious! She is 3 pounds and 15 inches. I'll have another appointment and ultrasound in 2 weeks and hopefully there will be no more progression. I am making little goals and rewards for myself. It sounds silly, but I am such a task oriented person that I think this will help me mentally.

Once a week I get TCBY frozen strawberry yogurt with brownies.

Once a week I get to buy something that we need for Penelope, Liam, Will or myself (we got our tax return and are in need of some new shoes, camera, etc.)

I look at like I need to make it to 32, 34, 36 and 38, or look at like I need to make it through April and May.

We have a lot going on in April, but right now it should be fine. We are looking forward to Will getting to see his family, Easter, Liam's 2nd Birthday, a weekend with my family at Disney, a couple of days with Brooke, Jon and Anderson and the sweet ladies at my church hosting a baby shower for me.