welcome to the world sweet Emry!!

 Three weeks ago we welcomed a sweet new baby into our family! Before the details fade, I figure I should write down the experience of getting her here - because it was quite the experience.

My pregnancy was really great! It was pretty similar to my pregnancy with Myla with a little bit of extra morning sickness thrown into the first trimester and hip pain in the second. By the third trimester though I was feeling good and we were excitedly anticipating our baby girl's arrival!

I feel like second baby pregnancies are tricky - You kind of expect the same exact story to play out as your first because that's all you know! That's how I felt about delivery. I figured I'd just waltz into my 38 week appointment, be dilated to a 5+, and be sent to the hospital where they would break my water, give me an epidural, and she would be born shortly after. Our baby had other plans.

It was a rainy Sunday night and Brian and I went for a walk in the rain around our apartment complex after putting Myla to bed. We joked about walking the baby out and about how storms make ladies go into labor. I was having lots of Braxton Hicks, but I had been having those consistently since the second trimester. Nothing felt different. They lasted about 40 seconds and weren't painful at all. They ranged from about 10 minutes apart to 4 minutes apart without any real pattern. Anyway... we walked for a while and then came back and ate ice cream (an every-night pregnancy ritual it seems!). 

We got in bed for the night around 11:30 and after laying there for a few minutes I noticed that my Braxton Hicks contractions were a little bit different - just a teeny tiny bit painful - like a mild period cramp. I told Brian but he was already half asleep and told me to wake him up if I needed to. I layed there for just a few more minutes and timed the contractions. They were only 2 minutes apart but still not really painful at all - just a little uncomfortable. I decided that I would take a shower and see if they went away. As I was getting out of bed, Brian woke up (yes, it only takes him about 30 seconds to fall asleep). He wanted to text our friend Janet and let her know what was going on just in case we needed someone to come and watch Myla. I reluctantly agreed, but didn't really think I was in labor.

In the shower the contractions started to get a little more intense and were always about 2 minutes apart (or less!). I started to get a little bit nervous and Brian started to get a lot nervous/excited. He wanted to call Janet and have her come over right away. I told him no way! I didn't want her to come over and for it to be nothing! But then they suddenly started to hurt worse and I had to breathe through them. I hurried and finished up my shower and I had to go to the bathroom - and there was blood... I told him to call Janet. This was at 11:45. She is amazing and came over right away! By then I was starting to really not like the contractions and we rushed out the door (Brian grabbed all the wrong bags, ha!). I remember I couldn't find my shoes and I just moaned to Brian, "Shooooes! I need shoooooes!" while I was crouched on the ground by the door. Janet wished us luck and we were off!

The car ride was almost unbearable. Because the contractions were so dang close together I didn't really get a break! A contraction would last about a minute then I'd get a minute to recover and it would start all over again! I could barely stay in my seat. Brian went about 80 on the 40mph roads and I am SO grateful that it was close to midnight and there was no traffic. We wouldn't have made it to the hospital if there had been any. 

I felt like a crazy person (just like you see in the movies!) because I couldn't help but yell/scream/moan/want to die. I kept thinking about a youtube video I had watched recently of a woman who gave birth to a 10lb baby in her car on the way to the hospital while her husband filmed it. I was sure that was going to be me! Egads.

Brian literally peeled out at a few stop lights and we were making it there in record time (thank heavens). When we got on Thunderbird Rd about 2 miles I started feeling the need to push. I told Brian and he said, "No way! Don't you dare push!" I've decided that not pushing is possibly harder/more painful than pushing. When it's time, it's time.

We squealed into the roundabout and decided to just leave the car there (parking tickets could be dealt with - delivering a baby in the car could not). I waddled/staggered my way into triage with Brian holding me up (we didn't think to get a wheelchair). It literally felt like she was going to plop out right there on the hospital floor...

The triage nurse (who probably sees ladies saying they are about to have a baby any second all the time) didn't believe me that birth was imminent. She casually started going through the standard questions (Full name? Birthday? Weight before getting pregnant? Last known weight? How are your contractions? Are they really 2 minutes apart? For how long.... etc etc). I told her if she didn't get me into a bed I was going to have that baby right there. She sped things up a tad bit after that but still made me stand on the scale to get weighed (whyyyy??!). 

They put me on the bed and tried to find a nurse to check me (apparently their nurse was on a different floor). A substitute nurse came in and checked me - confirming what we already thought. "Ummm...She's complete!" Meaning, ready to push. Meaning, no epidural (sob)!

Sweet Brian started asking for an epidural for me from the moment we walked in. I guess at that point the nurse just looked at him and shook her head. 

They called upstairs and let them know we were coming and then started wheeling me up there on the bed. By wheeling, I mean running down the hall (Brian said a nurse flew off the back when they went around a tight corner, ha!). I remember really wanting to push again in the elevator and made that known to the poor nurses. Their reply? "Lay on your side and cross your legs!" I tried, but that's no easy task when your baby is right there.

We finally made it to the labor and delivery room about 12 minutes after arriving at the hospital. They kept telling me not to push and Brian kept asking for an epidural to which he was told, "She doesn't even have an IV!" Finally, a more seasoned nurse listened to me and said, "Fine, let's do this." The nurses were all scrambling around trying to set things up, the bed hadn't even been dropped. I held my own legs (Brian was in shock, I think) and puuuushed. SPLASHHHH! First push - My water exploded all over the nurses at the end of the table and sweet Emry's head came out. Second push - she was here! 15 minutes after driving up to the hospital. 

Tell you what, that "ring of fire" they tell you about is real! Ouchiewawa. I'm fortunate I only had to experience that for 2 pushes, that's for sure! The relief was HUGE after getting her out, but I was still in a lot of pain (Those afterbirth contractions are no joke!). They wiped her off a bit and asked if I wanted to hold her - I sure did! She looked just like Myla to me except with dark hair and a very squished nose (it was smooshed and crooked for a little while). She had the biggest prettiest eyes and was so calm snuggled up to me. Best feeling ever!

The closest doctor came in a few minutes after she was born and made sure I wasn't hemorrhaging or needing stitches and told me everything was great! The "real" on-call doctor came in about 30 minutes later just to check in. 

She was here safe and we were both healthy and great! 

I think I can safely say that was the craziest hour of my life.

In conclusion:

11:30 pm: First very very mild (but frequent) contractions started
11:35: Hopped in the shower
11:45: Called Janet to come over because contractions were getting more intense and still very close together.
11:50: Janet arrives and I get out of the shower and get dressed
11:55: Out the door!
12:08: Arrive at the hospital and leave car in the roundabout
12:20: Made it to L&D
12:23: Welcome to the world Emry!!

6 lbs 8 oz, 20 inches, 12:23 am on September 14th!

Now for lots of pictures (in no particular order because I am tired and don't feel like organizing them...)!!

We're home!

California Trip Shutterfly Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

like father like daughter...

Is it just me or do these two pictures look similar? Like father like daughter!

I love them :)

Myla at 3 months

I apologize in advance for the insane amount of pictures...

Hey baby girl!

Happy 3 months! You have changed SO much this month! Every day your dad and I say something along the lines of, "She's so much fun" or "She's changing so fast" or "She's getting so big!" Usually all three.

Some of your favorite things are watching the fan, eating your Vitamin D supplement, sucking on your binky in your swing or car seat, going on walks, "talking", smiling, sucking on your fists(!), stretching, eating (of course), burping like a sailor, exploring your toys, bath time, peek-a-boo, getting your diaper changed (ha!), and just being oh so cute.

Your favorite place in our home is your changing pad. I have no idea why, but when you are pretty fussy, I can just bring you to your changing pad, start talking to/with you or singing to you, and then you start smiling and cooing. It's pretty darn cute.

Your least favorite things are taking your reflux medicine and being strapped into your car seat

You are learning so much every single day! You can now push up on your elbows and hold your chest up during tummy time, grab your toys, reach for objects, put toys in your mouth (a little clumsily), smile all the time, do short little laughs, fall asleep by yourself for nap time, put all your weight on your legs when we balance you, hold your head steady enough to sit in your bumbo chair and walker, and you can now bring your hands together. Unfortunately, you haven't learned how to let go of your hands when you want to once you have them clasped together in front of you. I have seen you (several times) trying to get your hands apart, but you haven't figured out that you have to let go first!

Your hair still looks reddish brown and your eyes look like they are turning a little bit browner. Your thighs are as chunky as ever!

You haven't been sleeping quite as well the last few weeks - we're thinking our trip to Oklahoma for Christmas kind of threw you off for some reason because that's when the poor sleeping started! You were sleeping a good 6-8 hour stretch earlier this month, but now you're at about 4-5 hours. There is the occasional exception (like last night!) when you sleep longer. You are so good to go right back to sleep after you eat in the middle of the night. I am so grateful for that!

You reflux has improved so much! You are so much more happy and full of smiles. You still have your occasional "episode", but overall we are very happy with where you're at. You are still taking Prevacid every morning and usually a dose of Zantac at night. It is getting more and more difficult to get the medicine in your tummy, however! You are mastering spitting it out of your mouth (even after I think you've swallowed it!).

You did wonderful on our trip to Oklahoma. Seems you like airplanes! You slept like an angel both ways and everyone around us commented on how sweet and adorable you are. I had to agree, of course. You got to meet your uncle Dan and aunt Laura for the first time. You were a little out of your element on the trip and more fussy than usual, but they still loved you!

Your first Christmas was lots of fun! You had no idea what was going on, but you could feel the joy and excitement in the air. You got so many fun and thoughtful gifts. Your aunt Laura even made you an absolutely beautiful quilt. Your cousin Gage got you a toy dump truck. Grammy and Papa got you some fun toys and a family favorite book - Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (parts I and II!). Dan & Laura also spoiled you with a fun toy, and aunt Jen got you the most adorable hat and mittens! Grandma Maylene and Grandpa Kim gave you a fun train set and Uncle Justin made you a noise-maker and gave you a cute stuffed monkey. Santa brought you some clothes, books, and toys. I'm sure I'm forgetting something...You were very spoiled!

We started swim lessons with you this week and you had a great time (until your mouth got some water in it...)! I am excited to take you every week and teach you how to be a water baby. We will be doing lots and lots of swimming in the summer! We are taking the lessons with your friend, Cohen, and his mom, Brittney.

We are settling into more of a routine with bedtimes and nap times. You usually have your bath around 7:30 and go to bed around 8 and then get up for the day around 8 in the morning. I am trying to get you on a better nap schedule, but for now I am just putting you down for naps when you seem tired 3 or 4 times a day. You'll usually sleep for about 30-40 minutes each time.

Myla, I love hanging out with you! I feel so incredibly lucky that I get to spend my days watching you grow, learn, and enjoy life. You are such a bright ray of sunshine in my life! I miss you when we're apart even for just a little while. We're pals!

Your daddy and I love you so much! Every day we love you more.

And the growth chart....

Myla at 2 months

weight: 10lbs 3.5oz

length: 22.5in

Sweet baby girl,

This has been a very fun month! You are learning and growing so much every day and we are loving seeing your personality come out and develop. Your favorite times of the day are in the morning when you first get up (so many stretches & smiles!) and in the evening after your bath when you have mealtime, singing time, story time, and cuddles until you fall asleep. I think those are my favorite times of the day too. I love it when you are happy!

I would say your biggest "milestone" this month is smiling on cue. You'll smile and coo when we talk to you. You've even attempted giggling! It is fun to see how much your vision has developed, too - We can tell that you see much farther than before and you always follow us around the room with your eyes. You love faces and prefer to look at our faces more than any book or toy.

Our typical day consists of getting out of bed around 8ish, eating, getting you dressed, going on a looong walk (it helps you stay calm through your refluxing - as long as I can keep a binky in!), maybe a little nap for you while I try and get ready for the day, awake again for some more food and playtime/tummy time/dance party/maybe run some errands if you are feeling up to it, repeat, etc etc. If we're lucky, daddy comes home from school for lunch and he is usually home for dinner and/or bedtime. Usually, though, it's just you and me. We make quite the duo, I think :)

Your favorite things to do right now are eat, look at the Christmas tree, swing in your swing (near the Christmas tree, of course), sit in your bouncer chair while I bounce it with my foot, daddy's singing, the "elevator", and walks! You have a love/hate relationship with baby carriers but we're hoping to make it more of a "love" relationship before we head to Oklahoma at the end of the month!

Your reflux has it's good and bad days. I cherish the good ones and we get through the bad ones together. Your new medicine seems to be working better. We also took you to the chiropractor yesterday and she said your spine was a little out of alignment and she put it where it should be... sometimes that helps babies with reflux. You also had to have shots this week and that was NOT fun. You were a champ though and only cried for a little bit and then you slept for a lot of the day. I was grateful for the extra cuddles but sad to see you feeling sick.

You are getting so big! Our neighbor had a baby about 2 weeks ago and we couldn't believe how small she was compared to you (even though she is over a pound bigger than you were when you were born!). You have the CUTEST chunky thighs. I'm loving all your rolls! I counted them this morning - 3 on each thigh! Your hair just keeps growing - doesn't look like you're going to lose it like a lot of other babies. We are convinced that you are going to have auburn hair, like me. It looks brown indoors, but when you get in the sun, you can really see the red! Everyone says you are my little "mini me." - I hope your dimple sticks around! Your eyes are still a grayish blue and they seem to be getting lighter, not darker. I still think they'll end up hazel.

You're sleeping better and better! This week you slept 7+ hours in a row 3 times! That makes one happy momma... and baby :)

Current nicknames: Myla bean, Myla Roo, munchkin, sweet potato, pumpkin, puddin' pants (got that one from grammie & jen), pumpkin britches (from your dad), sweet girl

We spent your first Thanksgiving in Queen Creek, AZ with your daddy's side of the family. You were very social and loved cuddling with everyone... especially aunt Annette and her cousins - they just thought you were the cutest thing! We are looking forward to your very first Christmas in Oklahoma! Just crossing our fingers that you sleep on the plane...

We love you, Myla girl!

Care for some more photos? Don't mind if I do!

look at those tasty thigh rolls!!

And we've been having some fun with the whiteboard... Celebrating accomplishments, birthdays, and... poop.

And the progression... They grow too fast!

Yes, that is a spit up mark on her white onesie...  

Update!

So much has been going on lately - it seems like summer is just flying by. Too fast. Much too fast. Good thing I'm going to have a summer that never ends as soon as we move to Arizona I guess :).

I don't think I ever even "announced" on here that we are officially going to Arizona for dental school. Brian will be attending Midwestern Dental School, Glendale and we are thrilled! We are also on the "alternate" list for the Navy HSPS scholarship. To make a complicated explanation short, that means that he will either A) receive a full 4 year scholarship starting in October (we would get back-paid for tuition) B) Receive a 3.5 year scholarship starting in January or C) receive a 3 year scholarship and we would be responsible for paying the first year's tuition.

Obviously we are hoping for alternative A! We are trying to get out of this dental school party with zero debt. I believe they will let us know next month which one we are getting. Cross your fingers (and toes) for us!

Many people ask me what I am going to be doing in Arizona while Brian learns how to inflict pain on people's mouths (kidding, kidding...). Well, with the Navy scholarship comes a lovely monthly living stipend that should be enough to cover our needs. Consequently, this momma isn't going to have to work for the first little while! I am relieved and grateful that I won't have to put our newborn baby girl in daycare. I do plan on going back to work in Arizona, but just not right away. So, I will get to stay home and kiss her chubby little cheeks all day long! I am worried about cabin fever, but more about that some other time.

My last day at the NICU is going to be July 16th. While the prospect of sleeping in past 5 makes me very happy, I am seriously sad about leaving my job. It is such a great job! I love who I work with, the patients I care for, feeling like I'm making a difference, and bringing home the bacon! I don't think I'll ever find a unit quite like the NICU where I work and I'll really miss the friends I've made :/. Luckily there are several NICUs in the Phoenix area, so I should be able to find a job out there with babies. Sorry, adults, but babies are where it's at!

We've had a few adventures this summer already with the latest one being a trip out east to visit Dan & Laura and go to Dan's graduation! We stayed in Princeton, NJ during the graduation shenanigans and then traveled up the coast through New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and into Massachusetts where we stayed for a few days in Cape Cod. We felt very spoiled. Brian, Dan, and I hit up New York City on the way back to Princeton - My first time in a big city like that. Definitely an experience worth having.

Pregnancy is still going great! Brian felt her move for the first time last night and I was glad to finally be able to share that with him - it's my favorite part! I imagine it will be less favorite once she gets bigger and starts kicking my ribs... but for now it's just so cute! She's around 11 inches long nowadays and growing like crazy! I must say, it is a little strange taking care of babies at work who are just a tiny bit bigger than her. We have our fair share of 24 weekers in there. Yikes!

Anyway, this is getting long and I'm going swimming - hopefully I can update more soon!

I love them!

the graduate!! so proud!

19 weeks and belly photo!

Sorry for the lack of updates - but I have a pretty good excuse - I'm growing a human being!

19 weeks and counting - almost to the big 2-0.... halfway!

Symptoms: The nausea is gone except when I work night shifts or eat too much or eat too little... but I have't taken a Zofran in weeks and I feel so, so grateful for that. I know some people are sick right up until they deliver. Yikes. I am still tired, but not exhausted like I was before. My newest friends are leg cramps, dizzy spells, and ravenousness (is that a word?). Yes, I am very hungry and gross myself out every now and then by eating more than Brian. He's a real good sport about it though and even if we've just eaten dinner and 20 minutes later I am back for more, he's supportive :). Hmmm, what else? Itchy. Oh man I just itch all the time! Especially my legs and ribs. Probably going through 1/2 a gallon of lotion a week...I've also been having some pretty crazy dreams. A not-so-crazy one was that I really had a baby boy... so now I'm starting to wonder....

We had a scary moment again on Saturday :/. I started bleeding a bit and had to call into work, call the on-call doc, and get another ultrasound. Now I love ultrasounds, but I was afraid we weren't going to see a heartbeat or something! Horrible feeling. Luckily the ultrasound showed that everything looked a-ok. We were so relieved! Her feet are an inch long :). Couldn't get a confirmation that she is really a girl because she had her cute little legs crossed. So, I was on modified bed rest for the weekend and instructed to take it easy for the next few weeks.

I am finally starting to look pregnant! I felt it more than ever when we were in Cache Valley with my family last week... I think it was due to the insane amounts of food we consumed. I had a real baby and a food baby and boy could I tell. So, I would have to say that I "popped" at 18 weeks and now I feel like I look pregnant if I have the right outfit on. Thanks to my sister and friends who have lent me some of their maternity clothes - I'm about to put it to good use!

Brian and I get more excited for her arrival every day! I can't wait to feel her move around - my placenta is anterior and apparently that makes it so I can't feel her until later on. Can't wait!

Top 3 names: Abigail, Amelia, & Claire. 

And... thanks to our little scare the other day, we got an adorable footprint picture!

prince or princess?

We are happy to announce that we are expecting a little

GIRL!!

Measuring right on track and kicking away like crazy! 

The ultrasound tech had a hard time at first 

because she was hiding "the goods" with her cute little foot, but after some prodding 

she relented and let us know she is, in fact, a she. 

We are over the moon!

To celebrate we ate pink ice cream (wearing a pink shirt was purely coincidental - or foreshadowing... either way).

She weighs about the same as this bowl of ice cream (5-6ish ounces) 

Just about 4.5 inches long from her cute little head to her cute little bum - 

She's growing so fast!

thoughts from the first trimester :D!

4 weeks - Feb 6
------------------------------------------------------
I just knew I was pregnant even though when I tested
on the day I was "supposed" to be able to get
a postive, it was negative.... waited a few more
days and VOILA!

It is quite the feeling to stand there staring at a hunk of
plastic that's going to tell you whether or not your life is
about to be changed forever.

We got one line and then...
is that another one? But, it's so faint! How can we be sure?
Luckily I had a digital test waiting around as well and
with that test it was clear...
Pregnant!

To say that we are ridiculously excited

 would be a huge understatement...

My estimated due date is October 15 -

We'll have our own sweet little pumpkin 

just in time for Halloween :D

Costume ideas, anyone?

Naturally, we were/still are a little nervous and anxious. I think every pregnancy brings it's fears. Because we've had two miscarriages, however, I feel like I am more nervous than ever! We are optimistic and praying for the best! Here's to a healthy pregnancy!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 weeks

Still feeling great!

A little bit of nausea here and there, but that's about it!

I remember sort of wanting to feel nauseous because

that can indicate a "healthy" pregnancy.

We told our families and that were thrilled!
Finally Gage will have a cousin :)

 Fluctuating between

extreme happiness and crazy nervousness. Just wanting

our little bean to stick around :)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 weeks

Now this was a dramatic week!

For various reasons I ended up in the ER in tears
because I was sure I was miscarrying again.

The scans and test were not conclusive

(they never are!).

But, I left feeling hopeful because on the

ultrasound there was a little fetal pole and yolk sac - 

which is more than I've ever seen with

the past 2 pregnancies.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7 weeks

My first appointment with my OB was rather uneventful.
We didn't learn anything new but I did get labs
ordered and done.

Scheduled another ultrasound so we could make sure our baby was
growing ok - especially because of the threatened miscarriage.
I started feeling seriously nauseated and finally
broke down and got a prescription for Zofran.
Working as a nurse is unbearable when you're nauseated!

Sweet Brian went to the store and bought me one of about every kind of
cracker they carry! Lifesaver :)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 weeks

Aaaaaand....

good news!

Our little bean had a heartbeat of 130. It was the most beautiful sound I've ever heard.

I might have most definitely teared up.

There's a real, live baby in there! Measuring right on schedule :).

Totally worth almost peeing all over the exam table. This may be tmi, but
I had to go sooo bad... they tell you to come with a full bladder,
which I did. What they didn't tell me is
that they would be running 45 minutes late!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 weeks

Craving Sonic Strawberry Limeades all the time.
And hamburgers.
And mac & cheese.
And chocolate.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 weeks

Bought some baby clothes because I just couldn't resist!
So bloated - looks like I could be 5 months along by the time I go to bed!
(suck it in)

Told our close friends :)

Since we don't know the gender.... had to prepare for both!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 weeks

Signed up for the NuMom2B study and as a result I get extra ultrasounds!
This was probably my favorite moment so far...
Watching our little pumpkin bounce around in my uterus.
He/she looked like a real baby!

Heartrate: 165

Also participating in a sleep study... surprisingly enough I slept great
even with all that gear on (Another testament to my fatigue I guess!).

sexy... right? Brian said it was like snuggling with Darth Vader.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 weeks

Surviving pregnancy by:
Napping as much as possible
Delicious food (strawberry limeades!!)
Doing my prenatal workout DVDs... and feeling wimpy because the
ladies on them are like 8 months pregnant and I can barely keep up!
Drinking insane amounts of water... and consequently getting up every night to pee.
Looking at my ultrasound pictures every day.
Did I mention napping?
Lying in bed at night with Brian while we share our hopes and dreams for our little one :)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

13 weeks

Announced our pregnancy to the facebook world!
Thanks for all the congratulations :)

...Beautiful Rebecca...

I had a great time yesterday

with this cute family.

I can't wait to be an aunt again!

Isn't she just glowing?