Ada - 2 Months

Oh my goodness.... I can't believe my sweet girl is 2 months old. She turned 2 months old on the 13th, which was also mine and Jordan's anniversary.

This month has been a huge and exciting month for Ada. This month she REALLY started cooing and smiling at us. She's beginning to imitate the sounds that we make and she's trying to shape her mouth like ours. It's so cute to see her try. She's slowly gaining more and more control of her motor skills. She's has found my hair... and anyone else's who's holding her :) Ada is also staying awake a lot more. On a normal day at home (of course things change if we go shopping... to Mom's... etc.) but when we're here at home, she's taking a good morning nap around 9AM, and then a good afternoon nap around 1:00PM. She's only waking up around 3AM and wants just enough formula to satisfy her... then she goes right back to sleep until about 7 or 7:30.. Of course our routine changes some and that's totally fine. I'm not the type of mother that has to have her baby on a strict schedule... but we are on a routine. Eat... Activity (tummy time... bouncy seat... playtime with mommy... etc).. Nap. We've tried to keep Ada on a routine since she was about two weeks old. Some may disagree, but we love it, and Ada loves it. Her little body has learned that when she lays in the crib... it's nap time. I can lay her down wide awake, and she will put herself to sleep. She's eating about every three to four hours and taking a cereal bottle at night... P.S.. SHE LOVES IT!

Ada has also had some big events happen this month... she spent her first night away from home! She stayed with my mom and dad (Bella and Papa) and they loved it. My brother and sisters were home from school, so of course they loved it too. She had her two-month check up and got some shots :( She slept through the night.... one night :) She went to the hospital with me, Sarah, and Elizabeth while Sarah had some outpatient surgery... She survived Christmas shopping all day with Mommy... in the sleet and freezing rain. She finally got to meet all my extended family on my Mom's side of the family... she was such a hit! She met Santa Claus and had her picture made with him....

Wow... I think that's it... I'm sure I've missed some, but unfortunately you can't remember them all!

Well.. it's late, I'm tired... for some reason Blogger won't let me upload pictures, so I'll leave you with a video. Make sure you mute the music player at the bottom of the page :) I probably won't blog again until after Christmas, so.. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Talking To Daddy...

Tonight I could hear something coming from my bedroom... I walked in there and saw Ada and Jordan laying on the bed and Ada was just talking to her Daddy. I ran and got my cell phone and video-taped it. It isn't great quality, but you can still tell she's cooing at him. Enjoy... I did :) Don't forget to mute the music player at the bottom of the blog!

Long Time, No Posts...

I feel like for the past few posts, I've had to apologize for my laziness in posting. Life with Ada is just... fun, honestly... and I just can't bring myself to take time away from her to post. I know that's horrible, and I promise to do a better job. I want to keep documenting all these memories so that I have something to look back on.

Ada was 7 weeks yesterday. She'll be two months December 13th... which is a special day, because it's mine and Jordan's two year anniversary. Speaking of Jordan.. I have to brag on what a great daddy he is. I'm so blessed... he jumped right in the day she was born and has been such a huge help ever since. I have to tell a funny story on him. This happened a few weeks ago, but it's still so funny. Here goes...

Jordan bought me a one hour massage for my birthday this year, so Jordan was out of school for Veteran's Day and I decided that would be a good day to go so he could watch Ada. Well... the day before, my car started messing up, so Jordan had to carry me to my massage at Monet Day Spa. While I was in my massage, Jordan ran some errands. He got back a little early, so he decided to just wait in the car. Being the good daddy that he is, he knew Ada probably needed a diaper change. So he got her out and ready to change her diaper. Little did he know that I had accidentally left the changing mat and the wipes at my grandparents house. He realized it after he opened that diaper and realized it was a poopie :) So, he decided he would just wait and we would change her as soon as we got home. He thought he would go inside Monet and just wait on me there. It was in there, that he realized she needed to be changed then... she was stinking... BAD! So, he asked where the restroom was, and the lady kindly informed him that there was no changing table. However, there was a small table next to where they do nails that he could change her... So, Jordan goes in the bathroom and gets some wet/dry paper towels and toilet paper. He put Ada on the tiny table and changed that nasty poopie diaper. To add to his stress, Ada used to hate to get her diaper changed to she was screaming the ENTIRE time... and all the ladies getting their nails done sat there staring at this frantic daddy changing a poopie diaper on a tiny table in the middle of a salon... :) In the middle of this stressful diaper change... I call him, because I'm now out of my massage and I can't find him anywhere. Needless to say... I got hung up on :) In the end.. Ada had a clean diaper, but Daddy's nerves were shot!

Ada has really started to "wake up"... she's been smiling a lot for the past couple of weeks, and for the past week she has started "talking" to us. She is cooing and making all kinds of funny noises. Jordan and I love it. We just sit and talk to her for hours. She's starting to sleep a little better. We've started giving her some oatmeal cereal at bedtime and she LOVES it. She sucks it down so fast. Since we've started the cereal at night, she's started sleeping from about 9 to 4AM.

Ada also has caught her first cold. She hasn't run any fevers, and her lungs are clear.... but her little nose is stuffy and she has a little cough. I feel terrible, because there's nothing we can do for her until she's two months old. I know it's this nasty weather that's made her sick... but right now, we're just suctioning out her nose, she's sleeping elevated, and we've gotten a humidifier. We're also just loving on her a little more. Well... I think that's enough for now. I don't have time to upload any pics yet, but I promise I will soon!

One Month With Our Sweet Ada...

So... this Saturday, Ada was one month old. I can't believe my baby is that old! It seems like just yesterday she was born! I know every parent says that, but seriously... it seems like yesterday! We have loved EVERY minute of our time with Ada. Sometimes, Jordan and just sit and stare at her. We can't help but marvel at our little miracle. When I stare at her tiny little features, I am amazed and in awe of our Creator. What an amazing and BIG God we serve!

Ada has already changed so much just in the past couple of weeks. She's beginning to stay awake more and more, and when she is awake... she's alert. Everyday we learn more about our sweet girl... one example is that Ada hates to be alone in a room... spoiled? I think she might be :) She is perfectly content in her bouncy seat or the swing, she just wants you to be in the room with her. She still loves music... we're already listening to Christmas music here at the Weathers' house... :) She also loves to be read to. I've started reading through the Psalms as I rock her at night. We have also learned that Ada isn't too fond of bath time... however, she only cries when we stop pouring water on her. Jordan and I decided before she was born that we were not going to try and keep water out of Ada's face when we were bathing her. We wanted her to be used to water in her face... little did we know that water being poured on top of her head would be her favorite part of bath time and the only thing that calms her down :) She also hates having lotion put on her. It doesn't matter if it's warm or cold... she hates it... period.

This Saturday, Ada and I went to Auburn with my parents to surprise my brother and sisters. They've talked about Ada to all their friends from the moment they found out I was pregnant, so they were thrilled for all their friends to finally meet her. Thank goodness I'm not a paranoid first-time mom, because she was just passed around all day! It was amazing to see these college kids marvel over my daughter as if she was their own niece... it was too sweet! They already knew so much about her and were so thrilled to meet her. Let's just say that Ada has A LOT of honorary aunts and uncles :) We had a good time, and Ada and I were even good sports and dressed in our orange and blue... but don't worry... we still say ROLL TIDE!

There is so much more I could share... I just don't have the time... however, I can leave you with some pictures. Everybody loves pictures :)

Two Weeks with Ada...

Yesterday, Ada was 2 weeks old. I can't believe how fast time is flying. We are trying to soak up every minute we can with her. That's my excuse for not blogging lately :) No... I admit that I've failed a bit on the blog front. I've thought about it, but every time I sit down to do it, sweet little baby calls my attention away :)

Ada is still a GREAT baby. She's very content. She really only cries when she's hungry, and even then it's more of a whine than a cry. She's not too crazy about diaper changes / clothing changes, and she's really not liking baths :) Even though she can get really upset... she's very easily calmed down. She loves to cuddle and snuggle... so do Mommy and Daddy :) We're on a schedule/routine and it's amazing. I've been able to make the adjustment very easily. I'm so thankful she's a pleasant baby!

Right now, our schedule looks something like this. She wakes up at 5AM with Jordan and he feed her. She hangs out with him for a little while, and then he lays her back down to sleep around 6:30AM. She and I wake up at 8:00AM (if I've got somewhere to go that day, I'll wake up and get myself ready around 7:00AM). She eats at 8:00AM and goes back down for a nap at 9:30AM. Then, she wakes up and eats at 11:00AM... goes back to sleep around 12:30PM. She eats again at 2:00PM, and then she's up on and off until 5:00PM. In between 2 and 5 is when Jordan gets home from work, so when he walks in the door... she's all Daddy's :) She eats at 5:00PM, again at 8:00PM, 11:00PM, and 2:00AM. After her 8 o'clock feeding she pretty much sleeps from feeding to feeding. I have to wake her up to feed her. We started two nights ago seeing if she would skip the 2:00AM feeding... she only made it to 3:00AM, but that's okay... she's still little :)

We went to our 2 week check up today with Dr. Cabellero. She checked out perfectly! She weighed 8lb 1oz and was 21.5 inches long! She's starting to fill out a little bit and I love it. She's still got her chubby cheeks she had when she was born... and her double chin! But now, her little legs and arms are starting to crease and wrinkle... it's adorable! Most people that have come to visit think she sleeps all the time... and she does sleep A LOT... but she's starting to wake up more and more, and the time she is awake, she's very alert and interactive. She's smiling more... following our voices. She's very expressive in her face. I have a hunch she's going to be a little dramatic... I wonder who she gets that from?

We had newborn pictures taken yesterday... I promise to post some as soon as I get them! We have loved every minute of our two weeks with Ada! I will try my best to do a better job of posting more often... (try being the key word :)

Here are some pictures... enjoy!

 She loves to nap on the couch with Daddy! 

 Watching TV with Daddy in our bed... no she doesn't sleep with us, we just like to cuddle before bed :) 

Sweet Ada Laine..

Wow. Where do I start. My heart is so full of emotions that I'm not sure how to put them into words... so bear with me.

Wednesday evening, October 13th, our precious gift took her first breaths in this world. Her delivery had its bumps, but it truly was an amazing experience. I'm not sure how people can go through this experience and not believe in a sovereign Creator. God was so sweet to us during Ada's delivery. We were surrounded with family and friends. We had a great support system. If I could, I would do it all over again. If I sat here and typed every detail and every emotion I felt that day, this would be the longest blog post ever! So, I'll just hit the highlights:

We went in Tuesday evening around 5:00PM to be induced. Labor and Delivery (L&D) was really crowded, so we didn't actually get in our room until a little after 7:00PM. My cervix was still unchanged, so they gave me three doses of Cytotec that night/early Wednesday morning. Around 7:00 Wednesday morning I was finally dilated to a 2 and Dr. Daniel was able to break my water. They started me on Pitocin then too. I'd already gotten my first epidural (yes, I had more than one) around 4:00 that morning (I didn't want to take ANY chances of feeling pain)... but after my water broke and my contractions got stronger... my first epidural wore off (YIKES!) They aren't sure why, all I know is that I was really feeling my contractions... not the pressure, but pain. And.. I could move my toes and legs. So, they gave me a second epidural. This one worked better, but for some reason I could still feel pain with each contraction. Around 1:30PM they checked me and I was a seven and we were getting excited. At around 4:30PM I was a 9.5! Seriously? Finally around 5:30, I started pushing. Pushing was hard... my legs were totally dead and so heavy, and I couldn't really feel where I was pushing. But, I could feel my contractions to know when to push. I have to mention this because it's funny... I was so exhausted and out of it... not sure if it was from labor or from a narcotic they put in a boost they gave me in my epidural... but regardless, I was OUT OF IT! I was so out of it, that in between contractions/pushing, I was falling asleep! One time, they said I even snored! I would push, push, push, then close my eyes and lay my head back until I could feel the next contraction coming on. I pushed for about and hour and a half and then my nurse told me Dr. Daniel called and said I had 25 minutes then he was doing a C-Section. I think it was a ploy to get me to push harder, but whatever it was it worked. Fifteen minutes later, at 6:45PM, Ada Laine Weathers was born. She weighed 7lbs, 5oz, and was 19.5 inches long. I know I'm her Momma, but I have to say, that she was beautiful from the beginning. She's the spitting image of her Daddy, and she's such a sweet, sweet baby.

We've been home now since Friday, and so far so good. She's a great sleeper. She's eating great now... we had some trouble with breast-feeding, and made the decision to swap to formula. Let me just tell you that it has been one of the best decisions we've made. Mommy, Daddy, and Ada are all A LOT happier :) Although, right now as I blog... I have the lovely smell of cabbage leaves coming from under my shirt.. I guess there's a down-side to everything.

Here are a few of the little quirks we've picked up on so far in Ada's five days here with us:

• She lets out a high-pitch little squeal right before she starts crying... it's too cute. 
• Her little voice is raspy and horse when she cries... again... we love it. 
• She makes the funniest face when she stretches, and boy does she love to stretch. 
• She's a great sleeper. Right now, she's napping a lot during the day, and still sleeping all night. I have to wake her up to feed her during the night. 
• Jordan and I love when we kiss her on the cheek and she roots for our lips... we say she's kissing us :).. It's just our thing. 
• She is a pleasant baby. She doesn't cry very often. Usually just during diaper changes and when she's laid flat on the floor. If she's in her bouncy seat, the bobby, or swaddled and laid down in the crib, she's perfectly content not being held. 
• She loves to cuddle... she will nuzzle her little nose right in your neck and sleep for hours. 
• She likes to be sung to, it calms her down, but she wants you close... almost whispering in her ear. 
• We always know when we're about to change a poopie diaper... (by the way she's got no trouble in that department). Her face says it all, plus, you can totally hear it. She poots loud. 

I'm sure I could go on and on, but I won't. I know I will never be able to put everything down on paper. Right now, I just want to go love on my baby girl and soak it all up! I know it won't last forever, so I have to cherish this time now. I'll leave you with some pictures of our precious baby girl. 

Right before going in :)

 THE BEST doctor in the world!

 My brother and sisters and I... 

 I was SO exhausted, but SO happy!

 Not quite one day old :) 

Coming home... Do you like the signs in the background? Ada's cousins Hannah Grace, Noah, Lily made them for her :)

Does She Look Like Her Daddy or WHAT!?!

Hey everybody! As you can imagine, we've been spending all our time with our baby girl. This is just a quick picture update... eventually we will post about her birth! Enjoy!

 I thought she may have my nose... but it looks like she's her Daddy's clone... You compare :)

Ada Laine Weathers

We are all in awe of our marvelous Creator. God gave Ada Laine Weathers her first breath tonight at 6:45. She was 7lbs 5oz and 19 1/2 inches long. She was pretty and pink. She is absolutely breath taking. She looks just like her daddy with her mother's nose!!
There will be pictures and more details tomorrow.

Thank you for all of your prayers. Mom Daddy and Ada are all doing wonderfully.

And we're a 9!!!!!

PRECIOUS Ada Laine will be here before you know.

fast mover.

Literally 5 minutes after the last post the nurse came in to check Anna Lee...

SHE'S A 7!!!

closer and closer.

as of 12:00, anna was dilated to a 4 and 80% effaced. her first epidural was not in good and she was feeling lots of pressure. so the anesthesiologist put in a second one and it worked beautifully. the nurse is coming back at 2:00 to check her again.

baby ada is almost here!! :)

getting closer!

Good morning! This is Mary Elizabeth updating for Anna and Jordan.

She is dilated to a 1 but the nurse could get all the way though her cervix. She let them know that Dr. Daniels would be able to brea her water now whenever he wants to. She has her epidural and was able to get a little bit of sleep. They will start pitocin at 7. So far so good. :)

baby monitors and sprite.

greetings!!

this is caitlin updating for anna and jordan. they got to the hospital at 5:00, but didn't get admitted until 7:40. anna's IV went in great and they started her on some fluids. she was also given Cytotec. this should cause her cervix to start thinning. the nurse will administer three more doses (i think).

the nurse hasn't checked her yet, but she is having more contractions. dr. daniel came in and told her he hoped to break her water in the morning before 7:00. that is all they know so far.

as of 10:30 pm, jordan, anna, and baby ada are doing well!!

Ada's Nursery..

Surprise! It isn't Thursday, but I'm blogging anyway :) My sweet sister Caitlin and #1 blog fan reminded me that I have yet to post pictures of Ada's nursery completed. So... here it is!

 I should have moved the swing... it won't stay there :) 

 Changing table

 Her bed with the quilt her Memaw (great-grandmother) made her.

Dresser... if you remember I had some fake flowers in the wooden box. But, at one of my showers the theme was "Generations" and they framed old pictures of women in my family. I decided to use some of those pictures instead of the flowers. Right now it's my mother's baby picture, my two grandmothers, and my great-grandmother. The plan is to get some pictures from Jordan's side of the family too and rotate them out (I have a lot).

Also... I meant to add this on my last post, but I wanted everyone's guess for how much Ada will weigh. Dr. Daniel has estimated her to be in the high-6 to low-7 pound range two weeks ago. If you can, leave a comment with how much you think she'll weigh and how long you think she'll be :) Jordan and I will start... I think she'll weigh 7lbs, 10oz, 19 inches long. Jordan thinks she'll weigh 7lbs, 6oz, 19.5 inches long.

38 Weeks... and the Final Pregnancy Blog

Well guys... this is it. My last blog during this pregnancy. I have to admit... it's a little bittersweet. Just before starting this blog, I went back to the beginning of my posts and read about my sweet Peanut. It amazes me that in just six short days, we will be holding our baby girl.

I wanted to take some time to reflect back on this pregnancy, but right now my mind is in a million other places. I'm not sure if it's nerves, anxiousness, etc., but whatever it is... I just can't seem to get my thoughts down. So, what I've decided to do is to keep my journal out around the house and as things come to me I will jot them down. Then, after Ada's arrival, I will take the time to post one big post about her birth and the things I jotted down those last days leading up to it.

Again, the reason this post is later, is because I had my last doctor's appointment today. Unfortunately, my cervix still hasn't changed; however, we are still on for Tuesday! Here's why... after Dr. Daniel checked me, I asked him if he felt it was in mine and Ada's best interest to wait another week and see if my cervix changed. He was very honest and let me know that it could be beneficial to wait a week... and if my cervix still hasn't changed, to wait another week... but he wouldn't let me wait past 41 weeks. He told me that as far as the health and safety of Ada and myself, there was no difference between Tuesday and waiting. The only elevated risk was that right now, I'm at a higher risk of having a C-Section simply because my cervix hasn't changed. However, he was quick to let me know that I also wasn't guaranteed to have a C-Section just because my cervix was unchanged. So, Jordan and I made the decision to go ahead and go in on Tuesday.

I feel very confident in our decision; however, I also feel the need to explain it. Not to try to win the approval of those who may disagree with our decision, but simply for my own peace of mind. From the beginning of this pregnancy, I have been very up front that I did not want a c-section. However, not for many of the reasons one may think. It isn't because I don't want a scar... my stomach is very much decorated already with stretch marks that look like a road map of the U.S. It also isn't because I feel that I would be "missing out" on something by not delivering vaginally. The reason I haven't wanted (and keep in mind I'm still praying I don't have to have one) a c-section is because of the added recovery time. As anxious as I have been to have my baby and hold her, I've been just as anxious to "be" a mommy. Call me crazy, but I'm looking forward to the feedings, diaper changes, rocking, sleepless nights... just taking care of her... all the things that go into being a mother... and I know that the added recovery time of a c-section will slow down that "adjustment" period. I may not be able to do as much for her as I want to, simply because I would be healing. Please don't misunderstand that I want a c-section, because I most definitely do not. However, if that is the way God has ordained for my sweet baby to enter this world, then so be it. Jordan and I couldn't bring ourselves to make the decision to wait on meeting our baby girl simply because of the increased chance of having a c-section. Had there been risks to her health or my own... we absolutely would have waited... but there isn't a difference. Call us impatient, anxious, naive... whatever, but we are still going in Tuesday at 5PM to have our Ada :) 

We are carrying our laptop to the hospital. We will try our best (well, my sisters will try their best... I'm going to be a little busy) to keep a few updates posted. We will try to do a post announcing her arrival with her stats (weight, length, time, etc) and then probably when we get home and settled... I will try to post a more detailed post of her birth.

Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers. We still need them! Pray that I wouldn't have to have a c-section. Pray that my body would respond quickly (but not too quickly) to the induction medicine. Pray that when we have the chances, we would rest. Pray that my stupid cervix would dilate before Tuesday. Pray that Ada would be a healthy baby... Just pray for us :) We love you all...

37 Weeks and....

WE HAVE A DATE! Boy oh boy have I been looking forward to this post! Today's post is later, because I knew I was going to the Dr. this afternoon and we might discuss dates :) Well... we did :) As of right now... Jordan and I will go in Tuesday, October 12th. We aren't going in until that evening, so the D-Day (Delivery Day) will most likely be Wednesday, October 13th. I have to say we are both ecstatic! It's so nice to have a date. With this being our first baby, there is so much we cannot plan for... we don't know what in the world to expect. So, we are glad that we have a date... a time that we can prepare for as much as we can. Other than setting D-Day... my doctor's appointment went pretty well. However, we did get bad news... my cervix hasn't changed... AT ALL! This is really frustrating, I'm not going to lie, as much as I love the idea of being induced, I do not like the idea of being induced without my cervix having changed at all. So... I will continue doing all the "tricks in the book" and hopefully by October 12th, my cervix will have changed a little bit.

I did ask Dr. Daniel how much he thought she weighed. He mashed and pushed on my belly, asked Jordan and I how much we weighed when we were born, and he estimated she would weigh in the mid-to-high 7lbs range. He felt right now she was in the high 6's or low 7's and we still have a little under two weeks to go. Ada's developments have pretty much slowed way down. She's basically just practicing for life outside of my womb. She's breathing, sucking, sleeping, etc.

The nesting is definitely still there. I'm pretty much as ready as I can be. Mine and Jordan's plan is just to enjoy the next 12 days together. After all, in 12 days, life as we know it will change drastically. It will never be just the two of us again.

The nursery is 99.9% finished... we waiting on one special touch... her quilt :) As soon as we get that, I will post pictures. Until next Thursday (which will be my LAST post before my sweet baby girl is here)... have a good weekend!

36 Weeks... What a Week...

Boy oh boy this has been an interesting week. So much has happened already and it's only Thursday! I'm just going to dive right into it. I'll start at the beginning... 


Last Saturday: My sweet cousin Patsy threw me my "family" baby shower. It was great! The entire theme of the shower was "Generations"... and basically, they had pictures of women throughout my family and then all the mother's took time to share with me one piece of wisdom. I enjoyed it very much, and we got so much good stuff!


Monday: Because we had our last shower on Saturday, I figured I would go ahead and start getting us ready to go to the hospital. There were a few little things we didn't get at our showers, so I used some of the gift cards and money to pick that stuff up. What I thought was just a quick trip to the Exchange in Oxford turned into an absolutely exhausting trip that landed me in the hospital :( I pushed through and finished all my errands at the exchange (even though my body was screaming at me to go home and rest)... I was driving home and couldn't make it the whole way. I stopped at my grandparents house (about halfway home) because I was in so much pain and having a lot of contractions. My pain was mainly in my lower back and my hips, but nothing I did eased the pain. I assumed I could just lay down on their couch and then I would begin to feel better... but then I started getting chills and shivering. Sure enough, I was running a low grade temp... 100.2. Once I realized I had a fever, I got scared. I know that fevers are signs of infection in your body, and I wanted to make sure Ada was alright. So... Jordan came straight from school and took me to Dr. Daniel's office. When we got there, they rushed me through to see him. I was still running a fever when I got there and I was still in a lot of pain. When Dr. Daniel walked in, he knew something was wrong. Usually when I'm there, I'm smiling and bubbly, but this time... I was crying and wasn't afraid to tell him how much pain I was in. He checked my cervix... it was closed... so he concluded that he felt I had a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) that may be making its way to my kidneys. He sent me straight to Labor and Delivery to get blood work done and fluids. I was also a tad dehydrated. Once I got to L&D, that was another experience in and of itself. Let me just preface this with the fact that ALL the nurses I came in contact with Monday evening were precious and this is not a reflection on them... I just happened to get there at the "wrong" time... We got to L&D around 5:00... the nurse did our initial paperwork, but was swamped... three people walked in at the same time and they were short staffed. It wasn't until around 7:00 that they finally began "trying" to start my IV. I say "trying", because it took them four times... yes... four. The first nurse tried in my right hand and couldn't get it... sent a nursing supervisor to try... she tried in my left hand and left arm (in the bend of my arm)... nope, couldn't get it. She then decides that she thinks it might be due to me clotting too fast (huh?)... anyway, she then tells me that I could take a rest and she was going to go get an anesthesiologist. So, around 8:00, a nurse anesthetist came in and finally got my IV started. As it turned out, all my labs came back clean... no UTI. Dr. Daniel still isn't sure why I spiked a temp, but he made me stay overnight just to make sure it didn't spike again. 


Tuesday: Needless to say, Jordan and I didn't get much sleep at the hospital (they even gave me Ambien to help me sleep... it didn't really help). So, most of the day Tuesday, we napped and tried to rest from our eventful evening :) That night, I was feeling better, so I went to dinner with some ladies from church for one of their birthdays. I had fun, ate a good meal, and thought that the rest of the week was looking up... so I thought. When I got home Tuesday night, I noticed that I was a little stuffy. I thought it may be just from all the fluids I got at the hospital and that it would pass... then it got bad... fast. I couldn't breathe, couldn't swallow, chills, achy... what? I was so mad. I had been just fine the day before and even that whole day... why was I getting sick now?


Wednesday: Didn't sleep much Tuesday night... woke up yesterday feeling horrible. I called Dr. Daniel's office and they called me in some medicine (whoop! whoop!) Even though I didn't feel good, I am nesting something terrible. I got myself and Ada completely packed for the hospital and the car seat base installed! Call me crazy for packing so early, but I would rather be ready earlier than later. 


That brings me to today... I'm still battling this sinus infection, but like I said... I'm nesting. The nursery is ready, the house is cleaned, and laundry is caught up. Isn't it amazing what hormones and adrenaline can do to our bodies? Needless to say, I am tired. I did take breaks yesterday and today to rest my feet and nap, but I am so thankful that whenever Ada decides to come... we're as ready as we can be. 


Ada's developments this week: She is continuing to put on weight... about 1/2 pound a week. Her gums are firm with ridges that look somewhat like teeth, even though obviously she doesn't have any yet. She is becoming more alert in the womb and we can totally tell. She's responding to our voices which absolutely thrills our hearts. Ada has dropped. I'm not sure if she's totally in place, but I can definitely tell she's dropped. There's constant pressure on my bladder and cervix... it's lovely I tell you :) Because I went in on Monday, Dr. Daniel just told me to come in next Thursday for my 37 week appointment. He told me at the hospital that he would check me again (please pray something has happened with my cervix... I want to carry her until 38 weeks at least, but I know with my first baby, it may take me a while for my cervix to change... he won't let me go past my due date, I totally don't mind being induced, but I really don't want to be induced without my cervix dilating and thinning). I'm also going to ask him for another sonogram. I want to know how much he estimates her to weigh. Plus... I just want to see my baby girl. I haven't seen her since 20 weeks. 


I'm pretty much going to really take it easy from here on out. Like I said earlier, we are pretty much packed and ready for whenever she comes. So, for the next four weeks, I'm just going to rest and enjoy these last weeks with my sweet Ada in my womb. Until next week...  

35 Weeks... Showers and Sentiments

Ok people... buckle your seatbelt... this could be a long one :) I look forward to Thursday all week.. not just because it means I'm one week closer to seeing my baby girl, but because I get to sit down and share my heart... literally. I go to the computer, sit down, and just start typing whatever is on my mind and my heart. But this week... I've been especially looking forward to it, because I have SO much to share and yes... I want to do it all in one week's blog.

So let's get to it :) Ada's developments this week... the final touches are being added on. Most of her development from here on out is packing on the pounds. Her movements are becoming less jerky and are mainly pushes and slow rolling movements (she's running out of room in there... trust me... my stomach can't stretch much more :) She is currently in the head-down position... HALLELUJAH! Let's just pray she stays there. Her liver has now begun processing her waste, and her nails are still growing! They may even curl over the tips of her fingers and toes when she's born! She's now weighing in at probably 5.5 pounds and is probably around 18 inches long.

Two weekends ago, I had my first baby shower... and let me tell you... everyone needs a shower like this. But, unfortunately, not everyone has a friend like I have who knows me so well... and she knew I needed it :) Most of you know my best friend Katy... or as Ada will call her "Aunt Katy"... she has been such a dear friend, more like a sister for the past three years and it's scary how well we know one another :) She knew that I have a hard time with showers (if you know me at all, you know I can be a little shy - and the atmosphere of showers... everything centering around you... well, it can be overwhelming for me) So... she through me a "party".. a "girl's day out"... and I loved every minute of it! She just invited a few of my closest friends (some couldn't make it) and we went to eat brunch at The Victoria in Anniston... YUMMO! After brunch, some of the girls came back to my house and played the neatest game... I'll explain more later, and then everyone painted a small canvas to hang up in Ada's nursery :) The day was so laid back and there was no pressure, because although the day was technically about me and Ada... we just all enjoyed hanging out and catching up! Another example of how well Katy knows me... she and the rest of the girls went in together and bought me a breast pump (whoop! whoop!) I'll share why that was such an amazing gift in another post.... :) Needless to say, it was a great Saturday and a great shower. Thank you Katy for taking the time, money and energy to plan this shower. I know you're cringing at the public recognition, but I couldn't share about the shower without acknowledging the sweet friend behind it! I love you... you are so special to me. I can't wait for Ada to meet her Aunt Katy! We love you!

All the sweet friends that came to brunch.

Cute Decorations :)

More cute decorations...

These were the party favors... they said "Anna Lee is about to POP!" How cute is that?

Ok.. this was the candy they used for the game. Each candy had a corresponding clue that went with it. I'll give you one example, "For Anna Lee, the epidural is going to be a.... "You fill in the blank with the name of one of the pieces of candy :)

These are the canvases we painted that day. We had all the different colors that are going in her room. I love how different they all are. This is definitely something special I hope Ada remembers for the rest of her life!

This past Sunday, I had my second baby shower. Five sweet ladies from my church put together a super cute shower and it was great! We got tons of great stuff including our car seat!!! Thank you hostesses for getting that for us! It takes so much pressure and stress off of us to know we now have something to bring our baby home in! I have to tell you that we got some really cute stuff! I've snapped a couple of pictures... we loved everything, but there were a few that we loved :) Here are some pictures Christy, one of the host took for me.. and some pictures I took of some of what we got that day :)

Diaper Cake :)... loved it!

Beautiful and yummy cake... thanks to Audrey Oswalt :)

Now on to the "Sentiments" part of the post... I wanted to take the time this week in particular to say something about my sweet sisters and brother. Ada has no idea, I don't think Jordan and I even realize, what a blessing these four people are going to be in her life. The reason I wanted to write about them this week, is because 20 years ago, my mom carried these four babies to 35 weeks... an amazing milestone in 1990. I could talk about them all day, but I want to take the time to talk about one characteristic I love about each of them that I feel will be such a blessing to Ada. Obviously, they each posses many of the same qualities, but like I said... I'm just picking one :)

I think this is one of my favorite pictures of them... ever.

Caitlin Marie

Caitlin has such a heart for children. She has truly been in love with this baby girl since she found out we were pregnant! Caitlin spent some time this summer and last summer in Honduras working in orphanages. This is her passion. I'm so thankful to have a sister who will truly love my child like her own.

Sarah Grace

Sarah posses a loyalty to her family unlike anyone else I know. Never once do you question her loyalty to her family. That is how she shows her love for you many times. I know that Sarah will be a trustworthy, loyal aunt for Ada. Ada will never question or wonder whether or not her Aunt Sarah loves her or supports her. I'm thankful to have a sister who will always be there for my daughter... no matter what.

Mary Elizabeth

Mary Elizabeth is so wise beyond her years. She treasures God's Word and keeps it in her heart. I know that if Ada, in the future needed any advice, she could go to her Aunt Elizabeth and Elizabeth would shower her with Truth. I'm so thankful for a sister who is rooted in Christ's Word, and who is bold enough, and will care about my daughter enough to give her the Truth she needs.

William Bruce

Will has such a tender heart and cares for others. He always has. There is no doubt in my mind that Will is going to make an amazing father one day... and I know for sure he will make a great uncle. I'm sure that there will be many time when Ada interrupts her Uncle Will from watching TV, playing a game, watching football, etc... and I know he will give up whatever he's doing to spend time with her... that's just who he is. I know Ada will look back one day and cherish those time with her Uncle Will :)

I've said many times, that this blog is my journal. It's the outlet I use to share my heart and to document this time in mine and Jordan's lives. This past weekend, on Friday, my family had the opportunity to make a great memory. My mom, sisters, brother, grandmother, and grandfather all came over to our house (Unfortunately my Daddy had to work, but he is definitely going to be a part of this, he just wasn't on Friday). They came over and we ate pizza and painted canvases like the ones my friends and I painted at my first shower. This idea may sound cheesy to you, but nothing can replace these for me. The fact that my friends and my family took the time and energy to paint something with their own hands was so special to me. The best part of the night... my sweet PawPaw painted Ada a canvas :) He had a little help, but as you'll see in the picture below.. he was and is so proud! 

I wasn't lying when I told you this was going to be a long one :) This is the last thing I want to mention. When we found out we were pregnant... I knew very early what I wanted to do in the nursery whether it was a boy or a girl... and one of the things I wanted was for my grandmother (my Dad's mom... I call her Memaw) to quilt the baby a quilt for his or her bed. Originally, I wanted this because of a couple of reasons.. A) I knew I wanted to do a vintage/rustic look in the nursery and thought a quilt would go well... B) I could pick out the fabric that I wanted and my baby's quilt would be unique... not just one I purchased at the store... C) It would have such sentimental value for my baby because my grandmother would be making just for him/her. So... I called my Memaw and of course.. she agreed. Little did I know that this quilt would touch my heart so much... and it isn't even finished yet. My sweet Memaw has had a hard time over the past few months... she suffered an extreme case of vertigo and has had other bouts with blood pressure... etc. But through it all, she has remained faithful to work on Ada's quilt... and let me tell you, it's BEAUTIFUL. I was at her house the other day, I stopped by just to visit, but she wanted to show me the progress of the quilt. All of a sudden, her eyes filled with tears and she shared that with each quilt square she cut out and sewed to another, she prayed for my sweet Ada. She prayed that just as this quilt would cover Ada and bring her warmth and protection, that God would call Ada to Himself and cover her with the precious blood of His Son.. Jesus. I lost it... obviously. I'm so thankful that Ada will have a quilt that her great-grandmother not only put time and energy into, but that it was quilted with such love for Christ and for Ada and prayers were poured out over her while Memaw made her quilt. What a blessing it has been for me already, and what a blessing it will be for Ada. I don't have a picture of it right now... it's almost finished, and I wanted to share it when it was complete. 

Thanks for bearing with me as I've shared my heart... I've laughed, cried, gotten excited, etc... as I've typed this blog. Please continue to pray for my sweet baby and for Jordan and me as the day we meet our baby girl gets closer and closer. Until next week...