She's HEEEEERE!!!

My sweet angel is here. She arrived on July 14, 2010 at 8:30 am! She was 6 lbs 7 oz. at 18 3/4 in long. The little lady is precious and the lack of blog entries is only because I can't seem to put her down or stop looking at her when she's not in my arms and the one handed typing just wasn't working. But today, right now, I decided I needed to put the little bundle in her moses basket beside me and get some stuff done...house work, bills to pay, facebook to stalk...

Here's what happened on that special day:

Since the little stinker was breech, we had been trying to get her to turn around - I was going to the chiropractor, drinking pure cranberry juice (old wives' suggestion - ew it's soooo sour), swimming and diving, drinking water, drinking water, and drinking water, and even hanging upside down. She wasn't budging and decided on her own when and how she was going to come. We had a Dr. appointment scheduled for that day to check on my fluid levels (hopefully they would be up and allow a manual turn from the Dr.) or they were going to schedule a c-section unless she turned on her own. Wellllllllll, at 4:30 am the morning of my appointment, my water broke. I wasn't 100% sure that was what happened but screamed Evan's name from the bathroom (he had crawled into bed at 3 am and wasn't stirring at my yells) - I went and shoved him pretty hard and told him...pretty sure he thought I was full of it and we tried to go back to sleep. 2 minutes later I was SURE that my water had broken! We actually calmly got up and threw a few more things in our bags, called the hospital and told them we were on our way and that I would need a c-section, and headed out the door.

When we got to the hospital around 6ish a.m., I was terrified. I wasn't having contractions and never had any painful ones but we were pretty unprepared for what was going to happen (but who ever really is?) From the beginning the nurses and doctors were sooooo nice! I loved every minute of the whole experience and still do to this day! The worst part was the anticipation of all the horrible things that were going to happen which never did! The IV was probably the worst part and not even that bad! I was under the impression that hospitals did what they what regardless of what the patient wants or says. I realize now that I read too many bad things and listened to too many people's bad experiences. My experience was wonderful and the worst parts were created by me in my head and too much worrying over nothing!

They bumped me up to the first surgery of the shift change and got things rolling pretty quickly. Boy, that operating room was scary and cold. But once they got the spinal tap going I was very comfortable...even when it dawned on me that I was butt naked on the operating table while people were just calmly doing their business around me! They even covered my arms with warm blankets that felt like they just came out of the dryer! The surgery got going and I smiled the WHOLE time. Evan watched the whole thing! I could tell he was smiling under his mask but his eyes were so WIDE! After only a few minutes of them digging around (they said all I would feel would be pressure and they were right and it wasn't too uncomfortable) I heard Audrey's first cries! It was the sweetest sound! I never knew what it meant to think that a baby's cry was anything but irritating until I heard my own. Now even though it breaks my heart when she cries, I still think it's the cutest little cry I've ever heard! They showed her to me over the curtain and then they weighed her and Evan cut the cord. They bundled her up and brought her to me to touch and gives kisses! Then the pictures started...

Our first family photo!

I was taken to our room and waited for Evan to bring me that little sweetums. I snuggled with her, visited with friends and family, and worked on breastfeeding for the rest of the day and loved every minute. Evan got to give her the very first bath which she loved! She loves the water flowing on her head even now! I loved being in the hospital! It was so fun and even though they told me I could leave on Friday, I chose to stay until Saturday ;) It was fun being taken care of and laying in bed where everything came to me - Audrey, food, family, and friends! It was such a special time and I hope I can hang on to these memories forever!

From the moment I heard her, saw her, held her, met her - I knew I could say every cheesy mom thing possible. They really are all true!! Even though I loved her while she was in my tummy, actually meeting her and being with her was an overflow of so much love! Being a mom really is the best thing in the whole world.

Mommy's First Snuggle

BREECH!!!

Went for a routine check-up today and we got a surprise. The midwife was feeling around on my tummy and said she was 95% sure that she was feeling Audrey's head down in my pelvis area but she wanted to do an ultrasound just to make sure. The 5% won and she was incorrect - Audrey is breech! This is not a huge deal and she would normally have plenty of time for turning IF I had normal fluid levels. The fluid levels are supposed to be between 5 - 25 and the ultrasound showed that mine was at 6.4 - which is a little scary by itself since it means she doesn't have a lot of cushion inside and can easily get into a position where she is clamping down on the cord - but this also means there is a slim chance she will turn herself or be turned by other means since there is a lack of goods to make her float in there. BUT I am going to try to get her to turn and continue with our original plan. They told me to drink LOTS and LOTS to increase fluid levels - like up to a gallon and a half a day - phew! - if fluid levels go up they may be able to turn her manually - eek sounds scary and I've heard that could be painful. I can also try swimming, which will make her more floaty and light or I can try going to a chiropractor to do something called the Webster Technique - they will try to adjust my ligaments to encourage her to turn. I also had to do a Fetal Non-Stress Test which monitored her heartbeat and movements for a while with a belt around my tummy and the results were good and she is healthy and doing fine. We go back for an ultrasound next Wednesday (7/14) and if she hasn't turned and my fluid levels are still down they will schedule a c-section for late next week or early the following week. This news had me quite bummed but I am finding peace in the bright side of a cesarean and knowing that my plans are not always what God has planned for me. Audrey and I are both healthy and that is all that matters!

Bright Side:

HEALTHY BABY GIRL

Decisions Made - We (I - the husband is too easy going) struggled making the decision about where to have Audrey - Birthing Center or hospital? Drugs or natural? All that worry may be decided for me!

No labor and no hurting oonie (good point from Auntie Alli) - WOOHOO!! Nuf said!

Wait Staff - having a natural birth could mean a super fast recovery and no sympathy - if you can birth a baby without drugs than by all means you better be up off that couch the next day doing dishes and laundry (not really but I may have expected that from myself a little) - With a C-section I'll have husband, hospital staff, Mom, Dad, Family, and friends all waiting on my every need and all I have to do is love on Audrey and feel entitled!! AND, the pampering begins NOW - I'm supposed to be still, rest, and drink lots of fluids - the couch and I will be doing some major bonding!

Round non-pointy head (hee hee - thanks Amy for that excellent point!)

Preparedness - knowing what is going to happen takes a load off and we can be better prepared. I can stop doing small loads of laundry just to make sure all the laundry is done if I go into labor and I can stop doing dishes 49 times a day in case we have to leave the house in a hurry - pretty sure I've had a major case of nesting in wanting everything in the house to be perfect for when she gets here. However, I could still go into labor which could happen at any time but still knowing what is going to happen at that point is a pretty good feeling.

Sympathy diaper bag from hubby...the expensive one I really wanted ;)

Although I am sad at the news today and I do realize recovery from a c-section is tough, I will continue to think of the positive things and all my blessings. And I will continue to patiently wait for the arrival of our baby girl - the outcome is the same no matter what way!

A grasp seeking strength

a sign searching for relief

a labor toiling to its end

For a tiny body, wrinkled and wet meets

a touch exploring new skin

a kiss expressing new affection

a whisper promising tomorrow

a tear blurring bittersweet joy

As the thundering peace of Birth

...suspends time

-Author Unknown

Gower Shower

Sweet, Sweet Sister-in-Law, Meg, threw me a spectacular shower! What a beautiful and perfect day! Not only did she work her hiney off for my special day but she goes out of her way pretty much everyday to do something sweet for me - late night tv watching, cupcakes at the front door, lotsa free lunches, packing boxes, saving us from becoming the next family on the Hoarders show, breakfast and flowers for move-in day, indulging my cravings, an ear for my indecisiveness, etc, etc, etc...I don't deserve her! When I married Evan, I got the best husband and an awesome sister!

The gals hangin on the couch - Crystal, Jessica, Erica,Me, Leslie, and Megan - I'm amazed everyday at how blessed I am with such wonderful people in my life who take such good care of me and make me feel so special!

They decorated onesies for Baby Audrey and they turned out so cute! I only got to pick one favorite for the prize and it was a hard decision but I chose the one with the tutu made by Jamie Legg! Can't wait to see Audrey's sweet little booty in it!

Audrey's GREAT Aunt Vicki and gma Momschelle - probably gossiping...

Dad Life

My sister-in-law, Memry, sent me this video and I could not stop cracking up!! I really hope Evan turns out just like this!

Hello Family!

The family came into town for one last hoorah before the big event! It was so good to see them and the house just felt complete at full capacity! We spent the day shopping for the Pack N Play and Stroller/Car Seat - Thanks Mom & Dad and Mammaw!

My momma, Mammaw, and Aunt Vicki

My super sweet awesome friend Megan came to visit too!! Not sure how she handled this crazy bunch!

THE "World's Greatest Grandpa" - it says so on the shirt so it's true!!

Daddy putting together the pack n play - I will tell no one that after he was finished I had to go and fix the parts he put in backwards...someone doesn't like to follow through with instructions....I love that boy!

Poppy sitting outside in a lightning storm - we chose to watch from indoors...

BEFORE - Mess & Chaos

AFTER - Stroller/Car Seat & Pack N Play

Moving In! 34 Weeks!

Audrey now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds -a cantaloupe - and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. You'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

WE MOVED!! What a time that was, but now we are here and are busy making this house into our home! It feels more and more like home everyday. One of the first things we (Daddy) did was put together Audrey's crib. I just couldn't wait another minute to have her bedroom set up and while the rest of the house is still very much incomplete, she has a room! Think it's a nesting thing? I will post pictures of the finished project soon!

The honey and I had an awesome date night - much needed after the big move - We went to eat at Bricktops (wish I had taken a picture of the dessert - best thing I ever ate - big skillet cookie with ice cream) and then we went to the Nashville Rising concert. It was tons of fun and filled with stars - Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Toby Keith, Jason Aldean,

and ZZTop was my fave!

Happy Birthday, Happy Shower!

Happy 28th Birthday to my sweet and wonderful husband! He works so hard everyday for our growing family -he deserves all the Mac n Cheese in the world! Yes, this is Justin feeding him his 47th serving of the cheesy goodness. I love my sweet honey more and more everyday! We have fun together each and every day and I can't imagine anything more fun than having a baby with him!

Our most awesome friends, the Elrods, threw us a birthday celebration/baby shower and it was most delightful - especially the food - mac n cheese, burgers, and strawberry cake with cream cheese icing - YUM!

It was so awesome to see all our friends under one roof! We are so thankful to have such wonderful people close by to us. What a special time it was and we felt so honored! We love you all!

The shower hostess, Missy, and I. Friends like this make life so worthwhile! She's been such an awesome friend to lean on during all the ups and downs of pregnancy - from all the indecisiveness, stress, cravings, potty breaks, and the SHOPPING! Not sure what I'd do without her!

I Will Carry You (Audrey's Song) - Selah

My sister-in-law Meg told me about this song a couple days ago - we listened to it in her car and pretty sure we were both fighting tears. I just couldn't stop thinking about it so I went and bought the cd and now I want to share the story. It's just amazing and so precious. It makes view pregnancy so differently and realize what I was put on this earth to do and the strength that God gives us. Can't wait to hold my sweet baby girl!

Their Story:

On January 7, 2008 we went in for a routine 18-week ultrasound for our fourth daughter Audrey. After a few minutes of excruciating silence, we were told that she was “incompatible with life” and that the recommended solution was termination of the pregnancy. We didn’t agree, and chose to carry her.

We decided from the beginning that we were going to make the most of the time we had with her; we even went to Disney World so the girls could show her Cinderella’s Castle. It was an incredibly difficult time as we balanced what we knew to be true from the world’s view with what we believed our Lord could do. We prayed for a miracle, and although it didn’t come in the form we had hoped, we do believe He gave us one. Audrey came quietly into the world on April 7th, and we got to spend over 2 hours with her before she went to be with the Lord. We prayed over her, sang to her, counted her tiny toes, gave her a bath, and passed her around to our closest friends and family crowded in the tiny hospital room. It sounds strange to say, but it was really a time of celebration. We loved her a lifetime’s worth in one day.

While I was pregnant, I wanted to write a song that described what I was feeling so we could play it at her memorial service, and our dear friend Christa Wells wrote it with us as Audrey kicked inside me.

It wasn’t written to be on a CD, and wouldn’t have been, if it hadn’t been for one cord that wasn’t plugged in correctly on the day that Selah happened to be mixing this record. Because of the delay, the record wasn’t sent away to be mastered, and in that gap of time, Amy and Allan suggested that we include this song. I cannot tell you the joy that brought me, to know that in a way we hadn’t anticipated, my daughter’s name and story would be shared in such a special way.

There is much more to the story, and if you are interested, you can read about it online at www.audreycaroline.blogspot.com . In addition, I am honored to be in the process of writing a book about our journey with B&H Publishing that is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2010.

While this song was written for our daughter, it is also dedicated to all of the mothers and fathers who have been where we are, and we pray that it ministers to you and gives you hope that defies the pain. Selah has also recorded a “boy” version of the song in honor of Elliot Skaggs who passed away three weeks after Audrey from a very similar circumstance. That version can be downloaded from ITunes if you wish to hear it.

We will forever be grateful to Jesus, Who gave us the chance to carry her.

We did, and we still do.

Audrey, you changed everything. We miss you more than I could try and express, but we know you are resting in the arms of our Father, and we eagerly await the day we will see you again. We love you. - Angie Smith

My Birthday/33 Weeks

Happy Birthday to MEEEE!!! I had an awesome birthday this year! Evan got me this yummy ice cream pizza.

It gave us a sugar overload with one small sliver (the pizza was sent directly to my nephews and niece the next day and they of course loved it). My sweetest sister came to visit from Arkansas with her hubby John. Alli and I got fabulous facials and manicures to be fresh for our dinner at The Melting Pot! And then, the next day we ate brunch at the Cheesecake Factory...how much better can it get!?

We went to the midwife a couple days ago! Everything appears great and on track! I've gained about 25 lbs so far and they said she was most likely going to be a small baby - which of course gave me the green light to buy some teensy clothes! She does not like to hold still for them to listen to her heartbeat so the midwife grabbed onto her little booty and held her still! It was so funny - she just kept wiggling to get away from her! I asked when it was safe to deliver at the Birth Center and she said at 36 weeks - WHOA! that means if she comes any time after 3 weeks from now she will be ready and pretty much done baking and safe to deliver naturally! What a reality check and the nesting is in full force! Ready to move into the new house and get her bedroom all set up! The house is 99% complete and we are waiting for all the paperwork to go through and will close and move in the next couple of days! I just can't wait to sit in her room in the comfy chair and read her some books and patiently wait for her to arrive!

What We've Been Up To!

Well I'm now 33 weeks along! Can't believe how fast time is going by!

This week Audrey weighs a little over 4 pounds (PINEAPPLE) and has passed the 17-inch mark. She's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and her skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a cone-head like appearance). These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as her brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

We just returned from an awesome trip to Myrtle Beach, SC with some great friends (Brett & Missy)! Got some much needed rest, sun, and yummy seafood!

We played lots of putt-putt! I'm really stepping up my game with all the practice! I've been only a few strokes away from beating Evan. Think the belly actually helps my strategy which is: no thinking, no aiming, no measuring - just whack it!!

Been spending lots of time resting and taking naps...Ahhhh...which usually also involves cuddling with my furry children! Both of these activities will probably be very lacking after Audrey gets here so I'm trying to enjoy as much as possible!

We saw a beautiful rainbow! It was definitely the biggest one I've ever seen and I couldn't even get the other half in the picture. There was even the start of a double rainbow that doesn't show up in the picture.

Evan, Brett, Missy, and I went to the Renaissance Festival a few weekends ago! We spent the day eating, people watching, and figuring out a way to budget our money to get more eating done! Ummmm a fried snickers was the best thing I've ever eaten! I was actually hoping it was going to be disgusting so that I would never want to eat that heart attack on a stick again but of course that ooey gooey goodness was oh so delightful and I've had fond thoughts of it ever since! However, I believe one per year will have to do if I want to keep my arteries open. We also ate some corn on the cob like ye olde wenches but missed out on the turkey legs since they were sadly sold out :(

Evan and Brett did some bow and arrow shooting!

New Pregnancy Adventures:

Belly Button: Gone

I can still paint my toenails and shave my legs!! I did have Evan tie my shoes the other day though!

Lots of baby hiccups

Maternity clothes officially fitting and some even getting a little snug: gained 25 lbs so far!

Feels like I'm breathing through a straw...squooshed lungs

Feels like I have a full tummy faster...squooshed stomach

Tired of going, going, going...squooshed bladder

Craving: fruit (peaches mostly), ice cream, & cereal

SHOPPING!

So while Evan watches his silly shows in the evenings, I choose to fill my time shopping online! Bad idea to look up infant shoes! So cute! I'm in love...zappos, you will be my new best friend!

Just because she won't be able to walk for a while doesn't mean she shouldn't have awesome shoes on her feet right?! ugh, how do I pick? I guess it's only reasonable for me to get one or two pairs...especially since some of these cost more than I spend on shoes for myself. Teeny shoes do not equal teeny prices!

Shower Time!

I have the most wonderful family and friends! This was at the shower my sister and Mommy had for me in Arkansas which was so fun! They worked so hard and we had a great time! We played awesome games, ate yummy food, opened lots of loot, and laughed a bunch!

Aunt Alli made a time capsule that Audrey and I will open together on her 18th birthday! We put pictures and memories from the shower day in the box along with a note from each person at the shower! I'm so curious to see what everyone wrote but I can't peek for another 18 years! Alli also had the most awesome diaper cake that I just don't see how I'm going to take it apart...It's just too cute! Mom made food that included all the foods on the weekly growth chart...that being said we had TONS of food and it was YUM!

One of the games we played was of course the classic melted candy bar in the diaper game! I couldn't resist this picture of my precious friends' disgusted faces!

Here's Momschelle and Condad opening their grandparents gift!

My sweet friends and sister who I miss terribly everyday! Amy, Megan, Aunt Alli, Jessica, Christa, Megan, and Liz! I love you girls!

LESS THAN 100 DAYS!!

The ticker is down to two digits!

Here I am at almost 27 Weeks!

This week we had a lovely visit with my Mom, Dad, and brother. Everyone had a fun time watching and feeling Audrey move around in my belly! We had a lovely visit to the midwife and even went to pick out baby furniture. I really hope this energy sticks around! It sure is nice! Looking forward to upcoming showers and visiting with friends and family soon!