Plans Change

4 Months

2012-01-08T13:40:00.000-05:00

On 1.7.12 Teegan turned 4 months old. She is now wearing 3-6 months clothes and size 2 diapers. She sleeps well at night in her crib, but likes naps in her pumpkin seat, bouncy seat, the boppy, or in our arms. She is eating 6 oz five times a day. If she doesn't sleep through the night, she will have another 4-6 oz during the night. We started her on oatmeal on her 4 month birthday. She is starting to use her voice and is getting very good at touching/reaching for things. She likes to pull her blankets and bibs up by her face. She smiles a ton! She is also starting to roll to her side.

Christmas Day Evening

2012-01-03T02:50:00.000-05:00

After opening presents at our house, the girls took naps. We got the girls ready and tried to take a few pictures. We then headed to my sister C's house. The girls still weren't feel that well, but they knew that presents were in store for them. :)

After a great dinner with my sister's family and our Dad, we opened up presents, played with new toys, watched football and talked for hours. By the time we got home that evening, we were all totally worn out.

Christmas Day Morning

2012-01-02T17:34:00.004-05:00

Baby C loved their new C.ozy C.oupe.

DH's younger brother and girlfriend had bough this for me to put on the back on the trailor. DH lost it when he saw the sticker.

She knew exactly what to do!

I guess that she is starting young!

Baby C's birthmother had given her these pjs at our last meeting. They came with matching pjs for the baby.

Christmas morning we opended presents at home. It took most of the morning, because we would take breaks to play and eat. Baby C nor Baby T were feeling all that great, but we all had an amazing morning.

Christmas Eve - Part 2

2012-01-02T02:21:00.002-05:00

After leaving my sister C's house, we headed home for naptime. Then, we got the girls dressed and headed to my DH's parent's house. After a good meal (they didn't do the traditional turkey---ham sandwiches instead), we opened presents. The girls came home with lots of toys and money. By the time we got home and put some of the goodies away, both girls we exhausted. After putting the girls to bed, Santa had to prepare for Christmas morning.

Christmas Eve - Part 1

2012-01-01T17:02:00.000-05:00

The night before Christmas Eve we had DH's younger brother and his girlfriend and his neice over to decorate gingerbread people. Right before they got there, I got a call from one of my sisters saying that our other sister was coming into town. We needed to figure out when we wanted to get together on Christmas Eve because they would be leaving that night to go back home. Yes, she drove 2 hours and then decide to call and tell us that she was 1/2 hour away. Normally, she comes later on Christmas Day so this was a surprise to all of us. So, we decided to have a big Christmas Eve breakfast at my sister C's house. We got there around 9am. Breakfast was amazing. We took oozy bread a R.acheal R.ay recipe. After we ate, we opened up presents. As always my oldest sister spoiled us all.

Peeks of Baby T

2012-01-01T01:45:00.000-05:00

We had to buy this outfit at the mall after she had an accident. We had a sleeper in the car, but she wanted something new. :) The shirt says "Mommy's Little Angel"

Baby T was playing on the floor with her sister.

Her first time wearing a size 3-6 months sleeper. She is getting so long!

Daddy took this picture. He wanted to get the tree in the background.

We had DH's younger brother and his girlfriend over to make gingerbread people; she slept most of the time. This is another outfit (sleeper) that we 'had' to buy at the mall after another accident in the cute outfit above, "little angel."

Behind

2011-12-31T13:45:00.002-05:00

I have never been so far behind with my blogging. It saddens me. This is my journal. This is my family scrapbook. Over the next several days it is my goal to get caught back up.

Please don't leave me. Lurkers, are you there?

I have two good reasons why I am behind, but I really miss blogging!

It's Almost Christmas - Part 2

2011-12-24T09:13:00.000-05:00

hmmm....DH and I had fun! Can you spot the sad face? His leg was broke!

It's Almost Christmas - Part 1

2011-12-23T21:13:00.000-05:00

Train ride at the mall/

Breakfast with Santa (12.11.11)

C.elebrate A.doption holiday Party (12.11.11).

3 Months

2011-12-22T17:27:00.000-05:00

On December 7th, Baby T turned 3 months old. She is now wearing size 3 months and 3-6months clothes. She wears size 2 diapers. She is starting to take the pacifier less and less. She drinks five 6oz. bottles per day. She naps off and on all day when at home with us. And, she has been doing well at the babysitter's house. Normally, she goes to bed between 7:30 & 8:30pm and wakes up around 5:30am when I get her up to get her ready in the morning. On the weekends, she may sleep a little later. She is just now getting over a stuffy nose. She is 'talking' more each day. She loves to be swaddled at night and still loves her bouncy seat and swing.

So Much Change

2011-12-21T09:41:00.002-05:00

Best Presents Ever!

2011-12-20T09:13:00.000-05:00

Sisterly Love

2011-12-19T09:04:00.000-05:00

Keeping Us Busy, Busy!

2011-12-18T06:28:00.002-05:00

My big girl LOVES to read!

Daddy had to go up to the high school where he works for a fall sports banquet. He took Baby C with him after I jokingly asked. She had a blast!

How cute is she? And, how cute are these outfits?

Bits about Baby T

2011-12-17T06:19:00.000-05:00

Never posted this from Baby T's 2 Month Appointment.

Starting to play!

Tired after a long day at the babysitter's house.

First time wearing a 3 month sleeper.

She had been upset, but she still looks cute!

Day of Museum Trip

2011-12-16T18:17:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving Day

2011-12-06T03:24:00.000-05:00

That day we ate twice within a couple hours of one another (once at my sisters and then at my DH's parents house). We continued the family tradition of letting the girls open an early Christmas present when we got home. That evening my sister and I went B.lack F.riday shopping at 7:30pm. This year, I was home much earlier (7:30am as compared to last when it was around 3pm Friday).

Thanksgiving at Home

2011-12-05T09:19:00.003-05:00

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving we celebrated at home that evening. That day I had an appointment so the girls went to the babysitter's while we were out. When we got home, we started dinner. My DH also helped me make p.umpkin bread and hard candy for the next day. We no longer have a dining room table. In early January, we had started turning our 3rd bedroom into a playroom. Then, we found out that we were pregnant. Our dining area quickly turned into the play area. No complaining here. So, our coffee table had to do. Placemats and all, we had our meal together. Baby C ate in her highchair and Baby T watced us from her boppy (Daddy put her shirt on backwards and Mommy didn't notice till later, but she still looks really cute).

Cutie is My Middle Name

2011-12-04T09:13:00.000-05:00

Museum Fun

2011-12-03T06:43:00.000-05:00

The Saturday before I went back to work, we took the girls to the Children's Museum. Baby C had been before, but now she is really starting to understand all of the fun. She even sat through an o.mnimax movie!

We ate before we went, but had a slice of pizza for a snack.

She loved crawling through this; she could have just stayed and played there all day.

Where did she learn this?

She absolutely loved the water features! But, she got soaked even with the apron. It was well worth it!

Baby T was such a good girl all day!

We walked through the special train exhibit. Santa wasn't there, but she tried out his chair.

Hand & Foot Prints

2011-12-02T06:41:00.000-05:00

Baby T around 2 1/4 months

Before Work

2011-12-01T18:40:00.000-05:00

I went back to work November 14th. Things are going well; we are getting a new routine down. The Thursday before I went back, my sister took the girls and I out to T.om & C.hee (soups and any type of grilled cheese sandwich that you can think of).

My sister's salad has grilled chees croutons!

We didn't want the babysitter to be the first person to watch Baby T. The Friday night before, my sister watched her for a couple of hours while we took Baby C out to eat.

Bengals Fans

2011-11-29T19:44:00.001-05:00

Raking with Dad

2011-11-25T01:16:00.001-05:00

Back to Work

2011-11-23T00:34:00.001-05:00

Monday (11.14.11) was my first day back to work.

Bags packed for the babysitter's house.

Hanging out before it was time to go.

Daddy drops off both girls around 7am & Mommy picks them both up around 3pm.

My first day back. I was tired, but so busy that day I didn't have time to think about being apart from the girls. Baby T woke up around 3:30 that morning, ate and went back to sleep. I got up around 5:15 to get ready. The next two nights she slept through the night. Since then we have a had a few night feedings, but overall she is doing great.

Baby C eating a morning snack before going back to the babysitter's full-time.

Purple Princesses

2011-11-22T00:22:00.004-05:00

I haven't taken part in ICLW in several months. I am happy to be back. Please catch up with our story using the Adoptin and TTC journey tabs at the top of our page.

So Thankful

2011-11-20T12:21:00.000-05:00

We are blessed...

I haven't taken part in ICLW in several months. I am happy to be back. Please catch up with our story using the Adoptin and TTC journey tabs at the top of our page.

2 Month Appointment

2011-11-18T05:57:00.002-05:00

Baby T had her 2 month check-up on 11.10.11.

We were able to go alone since Big Sis was at the babysitter's.

She weighed 10lbs even and measured 15in around the head.

She came in at 22.5in long and was in the 20th percentile for weight and length.

She had 1 oral (loved) vaccination and 2 shots.

After the 1st shot she didn't cry at all; that was so strange.

But, after the second she did (that was actually more comforting to me for some reason).

As soon as I opened the bottle, she was good to go!

She goes back for her 4 month check-up in January.

2 Months

2011-11-17T13:22:00.021-05:00

11.7.11

Teegan is two months old!

She is a lil diva! She has her own personality and wants what she wants and when she wants it!

She is eating 4 oz just about every 4 hours.

We may be increasing it to 5 oz very soon. We have tried it a few times.

She knows when it is time to eat when we tuck the burp cloth under her chin.

She drools a lot. And, she sometimes spits up.

She is wearing 0-3 month clothes and size 1 diapers. The waist are still too big.

Socks fall off her feet all of the time.

She is starting to like bath time more and more.

She loves to be swaddled, but can get out of it in no time.

She is getting better at sleeping in her crib at night. But, she/we have trouble with that during the day.

She loves the moby. I soooo wish I would have bought one when her Big Sis was smaller.

When she gets in her pumpkin sit, she loves it. She loves car rides.

She is turning on her side more and more.

Her funny faces are amzing to look at.

She is starting to smile socially. And, her news noises are amazing to hear.

She is going to have tears very soon, I can see water starting to build up when she gets upset.

Between the bouncy seat and swing, she would pick the bouncy.

We put the PnP away. It's just not her thing. So, she never did sleep in our room.

She has only slept with us on the couch or in her bed.

Every day that passes, we love her more and more

My Lil One

2011-11-16T13:18:00.000-05:00

Big Girl Has Boots

2011-11-15T13:07:00.006-05:00

Back to Work

2011-11-14T06:30:00.001-05:00

Today is the day : /

The Girls on My Birthday

2011-11-10T06:10:00.000-05:00

Recent Randoms

2011-11-09T05:50:00.000-05:00

Baby C's 1st Sucker

2011-11-08T05:39:00.001-05:00

Bows to Support a Family

2011-11-07T05:31:00.001-05:00

A friend from high school and her husband are adopting from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Currently, they are number 14 on the list for two little ones, a boy and girl. Both of the babies will be 0-3 in age. Follow her journey here. She is just starting to blog, so please leave her comments and follow along.
She has also started a website from which she sells bows. Again, she is just getting started. Go look, buy something and tell her Rachel from Ohio sent you! Be sure to share this with your friends!

Thank you so much! It means a lot!

My 27th Birthday

2011-11-06T12:14:00.004-05:00

I can't believe that another year has passed. It's amazing how much my life has changed this past year. On Monday (10.31.11) my DH checked the mail after school. In the stack of mail I found three greeting cards (one from him, the girls and the puppies). You see, my birthday wasn't until Tuesday (11.1.11), but my DH doesn't have patience when it comes to surprises. He also handed Baby C a box to give to me. Apparently, U.PS had dropped it off that day (scary thing is I didn't even hear them). He wanted to me to open everything then. #1 it wasn't my birthday yet and #2 I wasn't dressed. So, I asked him to let my finish getting ready.

Before we headed out the door for trick-or-treating, he still insisted on me opening the box. I was esatic when I found a C & T charm to add to my braclet. The braclet had been my push present. LOVE! He also pulled a cookie cake out of the microwave (stored it there when I was getting ready). If you eead the post about his birthday, you know this is something we do (we aren't too fond of regular cake, but we will eat it).

I wore the braclet that night with my new charms.

The next day after he got home from work, I opened the cards and blew out the candles. We decided to eat the cake later that night after we got home.

At C.arrabba's I.talian G.rill, they offer 'playdough' (pizza dough) to the young children. Baby C LOVED it! We had never been here before, but we will definately be going back.

Trick-or-Treat Take 2

2011-11-05T12:02:00.002-04:00

On H.alloween night, we took this girls to my DH's cousin's house. They hold a yearly gathering the night of trick-or-treat in their subdivision. We took Baby C treat-or-treating down one, short street and back.

Looking through her goodies when we returned to the house. I had to hide the bucket from her; she wanted to carry it around all night.

High School Dance

2011-11-04T11:42:00.000-04:00

Part of my DH's job requires him to attend one of the dances at the high school. On 10.28.11, they held their annual H.alloween dance. That evening we took the girls to S.ubway for dinner, back to the house to relax and then headed to the dance. We drove seperate so that I could leave early with the girls. Baby C had been the year before also.

Playing in the teacher's lounge.

Not the best picture, but had to capture them together at the dance.

Baby C had discovered how to climb. The problem is that she likes to stand up and walk/run across (couchs, benches, etc...).

Baby T mostly slept. But, she was as cute as can be doing so!

Baby C liked to stay in the hallway where they were taking pictures, money, tickets, etc... The dance was held in the lunchroom. Everytime we put her down in there, she ran out to the hallway.

Baby C discovered a ramp. She ran back-and-forth several, several times. Sometimes she got going so fast that she rolled down the ramp!

How cute is this? One day, this could be here locker!

Love Bug

2011-11-03T10:26:00.000-04:00

Daddy's 30!

2011-11-02T10:10:00.000-04:00

10.21.11

Before Daddy went to work, we surprised him! I set it up during one of the middle of the night feedings.

When he got home, he blew out the candles on his cookie cake (our favortite). It took him SEVERAL attempts since the candles were 'magic.' Baby T and I had picked up the cake from the local grocery while Baby C was at the babysitters. We then headed to pick her up so that Daddy didn't have to.

That night we took Daddy to B.uca D.i B.eppo. He had been there once before, but it had been several years ago. It's family style italian so the dinner is served in family portions. We left completely stuffed!

27 Today!

2011-11-01T10:10:00.001-04:00

It's my birthday! I am busy spending my day with my girls. My DH is taking us out tonight.

FingerPaint 4 Daddy

2011-10-28T01:50:00.000-04:00

Last week, we celebrated Daddy's 30th Birthday! Wednesday I took Baby T (Baby C was at the babysitters) to pick up balloon, cards, etc... Then, Thursday after the girls' appointment we collected some other goodies. Yep, I took the girls shopping after the appointment that I took them to by MYSELF. We also went to S.ubway for dinner where the cashier gave Baby C a cookie. I let her have most of it since she was so good for her 4 shots. Thursday before nap time and their appointment, we fingerpaineted for the very first time. Baby C had a blast! Good thing the mess was easy to clean up and a bath followed for both girls.

1 and 15 Months Appointments

2011-10-27T06:35:00.002-04:00

Baby C in the waiting room.

Baby T at home after her appointment.

On Thursday (10.20.11), I took both girls to the doctor (1 month & 15 months WBVs). Please note that I took them by MYSELF! When we had orginally made this appointment, I didn't realized that my DH had parent-teacher conferences that night. I tried to change the appointment to another day, but they had nothing open after school (our work) for weeks and weeks.

Baby C waited very patiently in the waiting room. Some of the time she watched the cartoons on the TV, she played with her toys and sat on my lap. When we got taken back, I had to undress both girls so that they could get weighed, temperatures taken, length measured, etc...That was a sight to see. Baby C was walking down the hall with a bow and diaper only pretty much going where she wanted and I held Baby T in her diaper. It was sooo cute!

We then waited for the doctor to come in. Baby C was getting anxious, so I let her have some snacks. She didn't want to put them away when the doctor came in. The doctor checked over Baby C first to make sure her double ear infection was taken care of. She measured 30.5 inches (50%), weighed 24lbs8oz (70%) and her head was 19inches. She isn't really talking more than at her last appointment, so just to make sure her hearing isn't an issue when have been referred to C.hildren's for an audiology appointment.

Baby T measured 21.25 inches (30-35%), weighed 8lbs8oz (15%) and her head was 14.75 inches. She is tiny, so we need to make sure that she is eating at least every four hours. She would go more at this point most of the time. It turned out she really didn't have thrush even though the doctor we saw last time thought she may (better safe than sorry).

It was then time for the shots. Baby C had FOUR. As soon as they were finished, I pulled out the juice I had made her before we arrived. Baby T was next. When she was finished with her one shot, I then started to feed her a bottle.

The nurse was super nice and helped me get Baby C dressed. It helped a ton since she was still upset.

Next time both girls have an appointment, I AM NOT GOING BY MYSELF!

Precious Hat, Precious Girl

2011-10-26T15:07:00.000-04:00

15 Months

2011-10-25T01:37:00.003-04:00

I can't believe she is 15 months old (10.16.11)! Baby C likes to walk every...well, more like run! We are still working on going up and down steps. She likes to play with the puppies and they are great with her (especially if she is handing them her snacks). We are continuing to work on her words and she loves book time. Baby C loves bath time and it pretty content even when bath time is over. She is wearing 12-18 months and 18 months clothes. A lot of her 18 months pants are still way too long. She wearing size 4 shoes. Her foot has finally started to grow! Her hair is getting longer, more blonde and curly by the day. She has 14 teeth and doesn't mind us brushing them too much. We are working her letting her brush them also. She eats just about anything and everything. A week or so after her Sister came home she wasn't feeling well.We figured that out when she wasn't eating well. She had a double ear infection. She is still taking a 2 hour nap most days, but is very flexible if we are out of routine and/or out on the town. At night she sleeps in her crib usually for 11-12 hours. Our routine is kind of different right now since I am sitll on maternity leave (some days she is home and others she goes to the babysitter's). She LOVES her Sister and likes to love on her (sometimes too much).

My Girls Make Me Smile

2011-10-24T13:31:00.000-04:00

Remembering

2011-10-23T13:27:00.002-04:00

October 15th we took time to remember

Angel Baby 3/15/09 5w6d, Angel Babies 8/25/09 10w4d, Angel Baby 6/24/10 9w

Mommy & Daddy Love You All

Campground Trick-or-Treat

2011-10-22T13:26:00.000-04:00

We live in a gated community where we have access to several ammenities. Our campground is quite popular and usually very crowded. Some people live there all of time, others are there only during the summer and some come time-to-time. Every year the campground hosts trick-or-treat for our community and surrounding communities (it's an open gate that day meaning anyone can come). And, they GO ALL OUT! Most of the campers come in for that weekend and they decorate, dress-up and pass out goodies. The campground staff and campers also host a haunted house on the grounds. Baby C really didnt understand the concept nor does she get to eat the treats, but she had a blast walking around collecting the surprises! It took us forever to get from one spot to another because she kept wanting to stop and inspect her goodies. Baby T slept much of time, but looked so cute doing so!

Sooo Cute!

2011-10-21T12:38:00.000-04:00

1 Month

2011-10-20T12:26:00.001-04:00

On 10.7.11, Baby T turned 1 Month Old!

Her 1 month check-up is this week. I will update with stats at that point.

She is now drinking 4 oz every 5 hours or so.

She is a good sleeper, but she isn't fond of her crib

We are workin on that.

The couch is our best friend.

She likes to be with Mommy or Daddy ALL of the time.

She loves her bobby and pacifier (ohh no)!

She thinks that she is bigger than she really is.

She likes to sleep on her side, holds her head up well and uses her feet to push off of things (the bath tub and our laps).

She stretches all of the time.

Her arms and legs still seems REALLY long to all of us.

School Carnival

2011-10-19T11:42:00.000-04:00

On Saturday (10.9), we took the girls to a local school carnival (in the district in which we live, my husband works and family attends). We took Baby C last year also. All summer, I kept saying we needed to pick out/make/buy customes for the girls. But, we never did. We were so busy with summer, Baby C, graduate work, back to school work, etc... Then, Baby T arrived. My DH took over getting the customes. Baby T was supposed to be E.lmo. However, when the costume that my DH ordered came in we realized it was almost big enough to fit Baby C even though it was labeled newborn. My DH has had an on going 'joke' or game with Baby C and C.ookie M.onster (it all started because of P.ampers using the characters on their diapers). She rocked the costume (more pictures to come)!

We must be crazy...

2011-10-18T11:56:00.000-04:00

We have always been on the go and we don't want that to change because we have another little one at home. Saturday (10.9) wasn't any different.

That morning we went to the annual craft show at our recreation center. We ran into several people that we knew and found a great deal on an outfit for holiday pictures for Baby T (watch for pictures in December).

We then headed to the local artisans festival. Tons of food, entertainment, booths, animals, etc...

Then, we had to go buy a new costume for Baby T (read tomorrow's post to learn why). This was supposed to be nap time, but instead we had to drive to find something for the little one to wear.

During the car ride, I looked back to see this!

While checking out, Baby C decided to ride the pony.

We then went home to change. It had been a long, long day already, but we had more planned. Baby C was going on little to no nap time. She had a bit of a breakdown, but within seconds she was back to herself.

We then headed to the School Carnival (watch for tomorrow's post).

To end the evening, we went to La.Rosa's for a surprise birthday party.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-17T11:41:00.000-04:00

On Friday (10.7), we went to the same pumpkin patch that we took Baby C to last year. She was just getting over a double ear infection and she was still feeling a little tired. But, she still had a blast! We took a ton of pictures, but I just included a few for this post. A family volunteered to take our family picture. I am glad that we have the picture even though it's not the best picture. The patch has a ton of things to do. We did the hayride, but decided to not to do the cornmaze this year. Baby C loves animals. In the last seveal weeks she has had the opportunity to see and pet several. She is NOT afraid at all. I am glad, but scared about that at the same time. I see more pets in our future.....

Our Youngest

2011-10-13T02:11:00.000-04:00

Ball Poppin' & Music Playin'

2011-10-12T02:04:00.000-04:00

Two of her favorite toys!

We Sure Do

2011-10-11T02:04:00.000-04:00

Big Sis & Lil Sis

2011-10-10T01:52:00.004-04:00

Baby C Appointment

2011-10-09T13:51:00.001-04:00

By Wednesday (10.5.11) morning, we had enough. Baby C was just not feeling her self for the past several days (crying, more than one nap a day, temperature spiking). As soon as the doctor's office opened, I called. We were waiting in the office just a little while later. This would be the first trip with both girls by myself. Baby C has a double ear infection and was given antibiotics. I hope this clears up soon. We have a ton a fun stuff planned!

County Fair

2011-10-05T10:04:00.000-04:00

Last week was our county fair. I am on maternity leave and my DH is a teacher so we were able to go whenever we wanted. Normally, we would go more, but the weather wasn't cooperating. Thursday was the best choice. Yes, all of the schools in our county are out of session during this time each year(the schools used to be in session, but too many students have projects). Baby C is still a little small to ride the rides, but she had a ton of fun riding the ponies, seeing and petting other animals, looking at projects, seeing some of our family and eating loads of food.

Baby C with a cousin

Baby T Update

2011-10-04T10:04:00.000-04:00

A huge weight has been lifted off of our shoulders!
I was a nervous wreck Monday. Although, I was feeling better when we started noticing that the size of the lump seemed to be decreasing. We decided to keep the appointment to be safe.

Baby C went to the babysitters early that morning. My DH dropped her off on the way to the school (he took a sick day, but wanted to go up to get things prepared for the day). We left around noon and got there a few minutes early. Surprisingly, we were taken back just a few minutes after we arrived. First, an assistant completed the basics (our info, why were were there, her length, etc...). Then, we were seen by a NP. She was wonderful. After hearing our concerns, looking over the referral and checking Baby T out she was confident we had nothing to worry about. But, she sent the surgeon in just to be sure. We heard the same things from her. Relief! Most likely it was just a huge amount of estrogen. However, there may always be a difference in Baby T's breasts. Who has symmetrical breasts anyway?

So sorry for not updating sooner. Baby C has been down and out with a spiking temperature and cough. She just isn't feeling herself.

Aquarium Fun

2011-10-04T09:01:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday (9.28.11), we went to the aquarium. Baby C was able to run around most of the time since it was a weekday and hardly anyone was there. Baby T slept through the entire visit except when I changed her. Beforehand, we ate at D.on P.ablos.

Baby T Thoughts and Prayers

2011-10-03T09:34:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, my DH discovered a lump on Baby T's chest. He yelled for me to check it out. I did and immediately called the doctor's office. In the back on my mind, I remembered how newborns can have lumps in their chest from the same hormones that affect their mother's during pregnancy. But, this lump was huge and it hadn't been there (maybe it had, but it was NOT that big--- it was at least the diameter of a nickel and super thick). We freaked.

I told the receptionist about the lump. She said, "well, the doctor would want to see you for that!" So, we were sitting in the office waiting room less than an hour later.

Baby T weighed 7lbs6oz, up from 6lbs12oz 15 days before. The waiting in the acutal room seemed like forever, but it really wasn't. Our normal doctor was out of the office (it was the week of our county fair---so I am sure that her family was on vacation since all schools are off that week each year). I didn't care who we saw as long as we saw someone immediately. When the Dr. felt it, she didn't say much at first. She then started talking about breast buds, hormones, etc... but then said "but this doesn't feel like that." My heart sank. I wanted to cry right then. It was different from the other side. It was much larger. It was very hard. You could literally see it move side to sides just under the skin when she moved it. It didn't seemd to bother Baby T though.

We also discovered that Baby T has T.rush. Hmm... great. We sanatize EVERYTHING and I am not breastfeeding. So, who knows how that happened. We are finishing up antibiotics for that over the next few days.

The Dr. was openly unsure of what to do next about the lump. She said that we could wait a few weeks to see how it changed or not or that she could go ahead and refer us. I asked for the referral. I was afraid that it wouldn't change (since she even said that she didn't think it was a breast bud and that she also didn't think that it would go away on its own) and that we would wait a few weeks to then be told that we would need a referral. I told her I would rather be cautious now. So, she referred Baby T to our Children's Hospital (about an hour away) to a ped. surgeon. Yikes! Surgery?! She referred us there just incase it would need to be removed.

The next day, Friday, I called the scheduing line (I had beed told to call Monday, but I wasn't waiting). Good thing was that the referral had already gone through. Children's has multiple locations that we could have gone to. The closest one didn't have an opening until October 22nd. We weren't waiting that long. I would have gone insane. Instead, we have an appointment today at the main hospital at 1:45pm.

I hope and prayer that hormones are the culprit. Please, please... I couldn't bare any bad news right now.

I should mention that Saturday night we started to notice that it seems smaller. Hopefully, we aren't imagining things.

Meeting With Baby C's BM and Her Friend

2011-10-02T20:52:00.001-04:00

On Monday (9.26.11), we met with Baby C's BM and her friend (the friend that was there during Baby C's delivery and the friend who was at the meeting when we told Baby'c BM that we were pregnant) at a local kids attraction. We had ran into her BM Friday at the mall (remember, she workds there). We had already been emailing back-and-forth the few days before starting to come up with the next meeting (for her to see Baby C and to meet Baby T). So, while we were together I asked what she was doing this past week (my DH is also a teacher and this week was our county fair---all of the schools are out during this week). After discussing schedules, it seemed as though Monday or Wednesday would be the best. She picked Monday (she said because it was sooner :) ).

We were LATE. I couldn't believe it. We are NEVER late, but apparently two children take longer to get ready than just one.

As we walked up, we could see Baby C's BM and her friend through the glass waving and smiling. After we got checked in and picked a table, Baby C's BM took her to play games and my DH ordered us food. We offered them food, but that day was her friend's birthday so they were going out to eat after they left the meeting.

With each meeting, I think that everyone feels more and more comfortable. We ate in front of them. We watched as Baby C's BM chased her around the facility and play games with her. When Baby C didn't like a game, her BM tried to comfort her. We talked about Baby T and our labor. She told us more about Baby C's birth. We caught up on recent happenings in our lives and gave her a stack of pictures that we had been compiling for her. She gave Baby C a froggy princess hat and Baby T several items (hat, onesie, shoes).

The meeting lasted almost two hours. By the time we left, Baby C was exhausted.

Our Girls...Keeping Us Busy

2011-09-30T13:04:00.000-04:00

Baby T 2 Weeks Old

2011-09-25T14:35:00.003-04:00

Baby T turned 14 days old Wednesday (9.21.11). Baby C went to the babysitters while I took Baby T with me to get my flu shot (at DH's school). That night we took her "0" picture. We took it this day because we wanted to be able to compare it to Baby C's picture which was taken at 2 weeks also (after Baby C came on last year it took several days for the stickers to arrive when I ordered them).

Baby T's 1st Appointment

2011-09-24T14:26:00.000-04:00

Baby T had her first appointment on Monday, September 12, 2011. Loading up to get there took us a little while, but we managed. It had rained a little the night before so there was water standing in the parking lot. My DH carried in Baby T and I held Baby C's hand as she walked. Halfway in, I had to pick her up (which I probably shouldn't have done---since I was still in pain from delivery and engorgement had fully set-in). We walked in the first set of doors and I immediately lost my footing. I did everything that I could so that Baby C wouldn't get hurt. I recovered. I started crying. It hurt SO FLIPPING BAD! My DH asked if I was okay. We then went in and I sat down while my DH checked us in and told them that the floor was slick (perhaps they had another rug that they could put out). When I went up to the counter to fill out paperwork the receptionist has realized why we were there and immediately asked if I was okay.

After filling out the necessities, we were soon taken back. Baby T weighed 6lbs12oz. She was back over birth weight. She measured 19 inches long which was .75 shorter than birth....hmm, anyway.... Her head circum. was about the same. The DR. asked the basics (forumla, sleeping issues/location, etc..) and asked us how Baby C was doing.

She asked if we were getting flu shots (which we did on 9.21.11) and asked if we wanted Baby C to have one. They had some in stock, so even though we were unprepared Baby C got her flu shot. It went better than expected.

Baby T's next appointment is at 1 month. We are going to schedule Baby C's 15 month appointment for the same time. Ohh boy, both girls needs shots next time...

Mommy's Lil Shoppers!

2011-09-21T13:16:00.000-04:00

We made it through our first shopping trips without running over anyone with the double stroller! That thing is huge!

Newborn Pictures & Sibling Love

2011-09-19T07:54:00.002-04:00

Teegan's Newborn & Sibling Love Pictures - Wednesday, September 14th, 2011

Hospital Stay Pictures

2011-09-18T09:25:00.000-04:00

(Not sure why this one flipped, it was the right way on my desktop. Baby T has a birthnmark on the middle of her forehead and on her left eye. The ped. at the hospital said that it should fade with time, but will probably show up at certain times (emotional, hot, cold, etc...) when she is older. Baby C has two birthmarks on her chest, but hers are rasied up and did not start showing up until around 1 month old.

My sister C brough Baby C and my nephew C to the hospital Thursday morning for a visit.

This sign was put on our door on the 2nd floor by the hospital staff.

My husband's purchase before we left the hospital. He also bought a box of bubble gum cigars (the same one he bought when we brought Baby C home).

Her going home outfit.

The lady who was with transportation offered to take these pictures. I am glad that she did!

Induction Day - Part 2

2011-09-17T08:19:00.005-04:00

Part 2

At 2:50pm I called my sister C to ask her to start headingto the hospital with Baby C. She had to get her little ones off of the bus andmeet her husband and then she would be there. My husband called his mother atthe same time to tell her that it was time to push. Apparently she left work alittle early (anticipation?). The nurse made the calls to get the surgical techin to set-up the supplies and found out the doctor was within 15 minutes. Itwas time! A little after 3:00pm I started to push. The doctor arrived not toomuch later (I would say around 3:10pm) and by 3:20pm our September Blessingmade her appearance!

Early the morning of induction! 40w3d!

Welcome to the world precious

Teegan Michaela Lee H~~~~

Born 9.7.11 at 3:20pm

6lbs10.5oz

19.75inches long

Approximately 14in head circum.

Baby T getting checked out by our nurse D.ani

What a special memory!! Our nurse likes to do this for the dads!

I got to hold Baby T immediately after birth (skin-to-skin). Afterwards, she was checked out by our nurse and my husband took pictures, got the foot prints, etc... He then got to complete her first feeding (S.imilac A.dvance). I then got to hold her again (by this time she had her eyes treated). For the next two hours, we were both monitored. My husband saw his mom and dad pull into the hospital parking lot. Soon afterwards, he went out to the waiting room to tell them that she had be born. They tried to get information out of him, but he kept it all a secret until they met her. I called my sister again to check to see where they were. We knew she wouldn't be long so we waited for Baby C to arrive before letting anyone else meet Baby T. When Baby C arrived, my husband's dad called him to let him know. He went to the waiting room to get her.

I can't put it into words what it was like when the girls met. It was simply amazing! Baby C met Baby T a little after 5pm. Then, my husband took Baby C to the waiting room to get everyone else (my sister C, FIL and MIL). They came back around 5:10pm or so. Everyone was introduced and took turns holding the newest member of the family. Baby C then got her gift from her Baby Sister (L.ittle P.eople toy). She loved it!

At 5:25pm we had to be moved to the 2nd floor (Mommy & Baby). This was standard practice (if all is well it's a two hour stay on the 3rd floor after delivery). The nurse pulled up with my wheelchair as I was on the phone with my sister R telling her the good news. My husband also texted several other family members the details.

Once we were downstairs, both Baby T and I were checked out. Then, she was given her first bath by the nurse. I was then able to get more skin-to-skin time.

The first outfit she wore was the unisex ducky sleeper we had bought before we found out gender.

First picture of my husband with his two girls.

Our family stayed until a little before 8pm (the end of visiting hours). After giving Baby C hugs and kisses, I wanted to cry. I held it in though. That was the first night we had ever stayed without her. It was tough. But, it was important for us to spend time with our newest addition. A little while after everyone left, we texted a few other people and posted the new on FB.

As for me... I was doing well. The delivery was quicker than I could have ever imagined and pushing was fast. The epidural was amazing once it took full effect. The hardest part of pushing was getting enough breath. I can't believe how much your water leaks and how quickly/intense my contractions were so soon! My husband was amazing during the entire labor and delivery (---hospital stay actually). As the epidural wore off, I itched like crazy. At first I declined B.enadryl, but I had to take them up on the offer later. We spent two nights in the hopsital. Healing from the delivery needed to be moniored and so far I am doing much better. When I was being discharge the nusre asked about my breasts (we are formula feeding); I had absolutely no pain. By Saturday morning, they had grown several sizes, engorgement to the max had set in and I began leaking. I was not prepared at all for the pain and heaviness in my chest. Baby T was feeding well, but by the next monring she was having some spitting up issues (literally not getting 1mL and then spitting up everything from the prior feeding). We switched to S.imilac S.ensitive and the issues seemed to be fixed. SHe was monitored closely since I was GBS+. DUring the second day Baby T failed her hearing test and failed the same one the next morning. But, when taken to the nursery for a more sensitive test she passed qucikly. They guessed that she had some 'goo' left in her ear. Big sign of relief. They had told us that we would have to wait two weeks and then go to our C.hildren's Hospital for an exam. Could you imagine waiting two weeks for that test? On night two, we sent Baby T to the nursery for a few hours in the middle of the night. I felt terrible. I knew that we wouldn't have that ability at home. But, when we pushed her bassinet into the nursery we saw that there were at least 12 other babies. We no longer felt so bad. Those few hours of sleep were amazing! During that time, her bili was checked and she was given her Hep. B shot. They also weighed her one last time at 6lbs4oz. We were discharged early Friday morning and left the hospital parking lot at 10:53am.

Induction Day - Part 1

2011-09-14T11:03:00.000-04:00

Induction Day – Wednesday – September 7^th, 2011

Part 1

My husband and I got up around 4:30am. After showers, lastminute packing and getting Baby C ready we headed out the door.

We then headed to my sister C’s house to drop off Baby C.She lives just a few minutes away. After kisses and hugs, we were on the roadaround 5:15am. On the way to the hospital, we stopped at Mc.Donalds forsomething to eat. A former student worked the window where they passed us ourfood. She asked me how the year was going (I am a teacher) and I replied withsomething to the effect of “I’m going to have a baby today!”

Getting to the hospital so early, we got an amazing parking spot.I remember telling my husband on the way that I wasn’t nervous, but that Iprobably would be when I walked into the hospital. And, sure enough I was! Wemade our way to the 3^rd floor, labor and delivery. We told them whywere there, but the receptionist asked us to wait in the waiting room for a fewminutes. We were supposed to be there at 6:45am, but we got there around 6:25amand on top of that they were really busy with other people that just arrivedfor inductions.

We waited. I used the bathroom seemingly a dozen times. Myhusband’s eye was bothering him again (just a few weeks ago it had beenscratched). A young man visited hismother in the waiting room several times. Right before the receptionist came totell us to go back (there was a change in shift this was a new receptionist),the young man came out to tell his mother that his baby had been born. It wasan amazing site to see! I cried. My hormones? My excitement? My nerves? All ofthe above?

We were told what room to report to. Someone walked uspartway there. When we entered the room, our nurse for the day was alreadypreparing. She could see my tears. She asked if I was o.k. She immediately toldme to change, etc… The girdle belt thing that held the monitors was so tight, Ieven asked if it was supposed to be that tight. After completing the basics(background information, BP, etc…), she told me how the induction was to work. Shechecked me and she said that I was 3cm and 70-80% effaced (I think). I was kindof bummed because the midwife the evening before said I was 3-4cm. But, I knoweach person could ‘see’ it differently. She also said that I wasn’t posteriorand that I was a station -2. It took 3 tries to get my bloodwork and IV started.She even had to ask another nurse to help. My IV ended up being on the back ofmy left arm.

My P.itocin officially started around 8:15am. I was thenable to walk. This is something that I really wanted to do. I didn’t want to beconfined to the bed all day. I was to report back to the room every 45 and 15after for an increase in medicine. There was a circle that we could walk. Thefirst dose didn’t seem to do anything. We walked, we talked and we laughed. Myhusband spotted a bulletin board with the numbers of babies born at thehospital each month for the last year. He made it his job to remember a newmonth’s number each lap. At first I was interested, but then I acted like I wasfollowing along. Too much else was on my mind. We reported back, she increasedthe dose. We walked. I swear I started feeling contractions. We reported backagain, she increased the dose again. And, we were told to wait they were goingto break my water. A doctor from the practice I go to actually broke my water.I didn’t feel it at first, but when I did I remember it being very warm and thatit kept coming and coming. He checked me and said that I was also 3cm and I can’tremember if he checked for effacement. He said I had made progress and that Iwas at station 0. After a few minutes, I was ready to walk. We didn’t get towalk for long because it started streaming down my legs. I had to get cleanedup. I got another increase and then it all really got started. In previous lapsit took us a little over 2 minutes to complete, but now I was having twocontractions before I could even complete one lap. I would have to stop andbend over just to make it, but I wanted to keep going. All the while, my husbandwas still memorizing the numbers. I remember that I kept running into G.eorge(my IV cart- that’s what our nurse D.ani called it). Each of my toes felt bruisedby the time I was done walking. I couldn’t walk anymore.

At some point during the increases, I had asked when I wouldbe checked again. She said between 11am and noon. That was my goal. I wanted tomake it to that check to see where I was to then decide if I wanted theepidural or not. She warned me that after I told her I was ready, I needed tobe ready to wait 30 minutes or so before the epidural would be in place.

When we got back to the room and she came in, I told her Iwas ready. Sur enough, my contractions were 2-3 minutes apart. Every time I walkedand/or stood up I would feel a huge gush of water. I never expected that whenmy contractions started they would be so close together. I wasn’t ready forthat. I sat on the edge of the bed and said I was ready for the epidural. Myhusband sat beside me and talked me through each one. D.ani called for theepidural. Luckily, the anesthesiologist came quickly. She told me it would be20 minute process. I cringed. Each time she wanted to do something, I would geta contraction. All she kept saying was “sit really still and don’t lean over.”I guess each time I would get a contraction I would lean to my right side. Itwas so difficult to sit through the process, but I was looking forward to therelief. Once it was in place and the medicine started, she waited and completedpaperwork. My right side went numb quickly, but I was still feeling thecontractions on my left side. We waited some more. After no relief, she decidedto give me more medicine through the line. My left abdomen eventually went numband then the left side of my back. Relief! I also had a self pump that I coulduse. I think I used it twice and another nurse pushed it for me at one otherpoint when I told her that I started to feel things again.

I was checked. I was hoping for 6cm. I was7-8cm! The next few hours were spent resting my eyes (not sleeping), talkingwith my husband, watching him play games and turning side to side. At onepoint, my nurse went to lunch and was then busy with another patient. So,several other nurses checked on us. My husband felt a headache coming on, so hewent to get a snack and medicine from our car. I told him to take his phone. Iwas laying on my right side at this point. All of a sudden I felt as though Ineed to go to the restroom. I wasn’t feeling my contractions (I couldn’t feelmy legs and I had no control over them--- that’s why people had to help me turnside to side). But, I could feel pressure. It didn’t really hurt. D.ani came tocheck on use at 2:45pm. I told her. She became excited! She checked me. I saw astrange look on her face. Initially, I had thought that maybe I hadn’t made anyprogress, but she then told us that I was complete! It was time to push!

Induction Day!

2011-09-07T05:00:00.002-04:00

We are to at the hospital at 6:45am (EST). Our induction is set to start at 7am (EST). We are dropping off Baby C at my Sister C's house around 5:15am (EST).

40 Week Check Up

2011-09-06T20:35:00.001-04:00

At our 40 week check up, all of the basics checked out as they normally do. Her HB sounded great and I apparently measured well (I didn't ask for the measurement). I was a 'good' 3-4cm and 60-70% effaced and well... let's just say she helped us along. She also gave us a 'wink wink' 'hint hint' that if I wasn't feeling well and couldn't sleep just to go ahead and go in. She thinks that I am already in early labor. Our September Blessing is still really posterior so she suggested that if I try to sleep tonight that I sleep on my stomach as much as possible. She was going to text the Dr. working to let him know about the appointment and that I may come in early. She also answered my questions abou the induction procedure. My DH and I went to grab a quick bite to eat, picked up Baby C, picked up the puppies and dropped them off at DH's parent's house.

40 Week Belly Shot & Due Date

2011-09-04T13:51:00.000-04:00

Today is our EDD. 40 Weeks. 9.4.11

(Apparently, I deleted the 39 week belly shot pictures from my camera before posting and/or saving them to a CD. But, I did get the hard copies printed off.)

39 Week Check Up

2011-08-31T21:36:00.000-04:00

Today we had our regular 39 week appointment. My basics all checked out just fine. My weight gain has leveled off the past several weeks. We were seen by one of the MWs. We talked about my anxiety level. (maybe I will talk about that later here...) I measured right on and her HB was around 150. We learned that I am now 2cm dilated and still 50% effaced. Apparently something has been happening! Maybe the walks, EPO, pineapple core, etc... are helping! We have a date... Our EDD is Sunday (9.4.11), if nothing happens before Tuesday (9.6.11) we have a regular 40 week check up and NST. They could send us straight the hospital from there. If not, we are to report to the hospital Wednesday (9.7.11) at 6:45am for induction. Before telling us any of this, our MW said "if you make it this long..." So, who knows!

Zoo Fun

2011-08-30T00:54:00.003-04:00

38 Week Belly Shot

2011-08-29T07:57:00.002-04:00

8.21.11

38 Week Check Up

2011-08-28T07:55:00.000-04:00

We had our regular 38 week check up on Tuesday (8.23.11). Both my DH & I had to leave work a little early since we had to go the other office (further away) because we were to also have a growth ultrasound. Baby C was picked up from the babysitter's by my Sister C.

All of the basics checked out just fine. We were to have the u/s first, but someone was in the room sick. So, we were hooked up to the NST machine first. They were doing the test again since at the appointment the week before it took us a hour to get good readings (she was sleepy). The Dr. came in (one that had seen us before) and she was happy with the readings. I measured right on track. She was basically done and then I asked if an internal was going to be completed (we had been told all along that this appointment would be the first). She had just forgotten since we were having to do things out of order. I was 50% effaced, but 0 dilation.

We were anxious to see our September Blessing. She has a perfectly round head and long legs. Her leg length was estimated to be in the 93.3 percentile. She weighed approximately 7lbs6oz and was in the 57th percentile. Her AFI was 12. All was well!

Our next appointment is Wednesday (8.31.11).

One Cool Baby

2011-08-23T09:59:00.000-04:00

37 Week Belly Shot

2011-08-22T09:53:00.000-04:00

8.14.11

37 Week Check Up

2011-08-20T21:53:00.000-04:00

Last Wednesday morning we had our regular 37 week check up. My basics all checked out. I was weighed on a differnt scale and it said that I had lost six pounds or so. But, when we tried my 'normal' scale I really hadn't : )
The nurse hooked me up to complete the NST. At first she wanted me on my back, but she quickly knew that wasn't comfortable for me. So, to the left side I went. She had a difficult time getting the little one to cooperate. She thought she had found a good spot to track her heartbeat and movement so she left. When she came back several minutes later, the data was too broken up. She tried some more. At one point, I went to my right side. The MW came in. She measured me (I measured right where I needed to be), she answered questions and told me that I did in fact come back GBS+. She then tried to get a better reading for the NST. We got consistent data, but the little one wasn't awake. I hadn't ate, so I gobbled down a granola bar. We finally got a little action, but not much. I am glad when got something going on though because the MW warned us that she may send us over to the hospital. When she checked for her position she was concerend she may have moved from the week before (the same MW saw us at our 36 appointment). I really hope that she is still head down. Our MW mentioned inversion and a c-section if it didn't work.... : /

So, we are now scheduled for our regular 38 week check up, a repeat NST and a position/growth ultrasound this coming Tuesday.

BOWquet

2011-08-13T09:40:00.000-04:00

I had seen the idea elsewhere, but wanted to try it for myself. DH's cousin's shower was a couple of weeks ago. This was one of the presents from us:

All for the flowers and leaves are bows/clips! No, I didn't make the bows, flowers or clips, I just put the BOWquet together.

Baby C Loves Food

2011-08-12T09:34:00.000-04:00

Just a few days after her birthday and stopping bottles and formula, we also decided to start giving up baby food. She is doing well. (We started introducing table food a long time ago, but baby food/formula were still her main sources of nutrition).We started by just going down to one jar/tub a day. Now, we have just a few jars/tubs left that I hope to use and get rid of here-and-there. She eats almost ANYTHING and EVERYTHING we put in front of her!

36 Week Check-Up

2011-08-11T09:21:00.000-04:00

After the completing the normals (providing a sample, getting my blood pressure checked and being weighed), we didn't have to wait long to see the MW. If you haven't noticed, we have seen most of doctors and both MWs at our office throughout this pregnancy. We never know who will deliver us, so we were more comfortable seeing as many of them as possible before she makes her arrival rather than seeing just one of them.

We knew that I would be having the GBS test. We also know that I will most likely be positive since what had happened earlier in the pregnancy. We also know that I can't have penicillin, so there are going to do a sensitivity test to see what they can use to treat it during our labor.

She told us that the latest they would allow us to go is Monday, Sepetember 12th! She also recommended that we start using techniques to rippen the cervix. Her suggestions: sex, nipple stimulation and take EPO (3X daily orally). I started the EPO immediately. The Dr. at our last appointment said that he normally checks for effacement and dilation while he does the GBS test, but she did not. We did not ask.

My fundal height measured where it should and her HB was in the 130s (she said that she sounded great).

We were able to schedule our last four appointments. Hopefully, we won't need the last one. It is scheduled for September 6th (U/S & NST). If we make it to then, we would schedule induction for sometime the 12th or before.

At our next appointment, we will have the normals, but also a NST (next Wednesday).

36 Week Belly Shot

2011-08-10T21:21:00.000-04:00

8.7.11

1 Year Stats

2011-07-31T20:11:00.000-04:00

Baby C had her 1 year check-up Tuesday (7.26.11). She weighed 22lbs10oz. Her head measured at 18" and she was 29" tall. She is taller than about 50% of the children her age and weighs more than 70% of the children her age. She had three shots; we were able to help calm her down afterwards with a sippy cup of water.

34 Week Belly Shot

2011-07-30T19:31:00.000-04:00

7.24.11

Meeting Her Birthfather

2011-07-29T13:11:00.000-04:00

On 7.19.11 we met with Baby C's BM and BF. We decided to meet them at the same park that we had met her BM and her maternal birthgrandmother in June (6.24.11).... oh no, I just realized that I had never wrote about that. I need to back-up!
In that past two months, we have had two amazing days with Baby C's birthfamly. We had hoped and wished for this for months.

Since finding out about Baby C around December, we had heard that her birthgrandmother wanted to meet her. On June 24, 2011, the day after we got home from G.tlinburg we met them at a local park. We had been to the park several time this past spring and this summer. This was the first time for us to have a meeting with Baby C's BM outside of the agency and without a SW. On top of that, we were meeting we her mother so we wanted a public location. This was a big step for us.

Unfortunately, it was rainy that day. But, the park had nice shelters. We were able to talk and share pictures. Yes, it was it 'strange' at first, but all the nerves that I had built up weren't worth it. It went so well. At first Baby C was hesitant to for anyone new to hold her, but she did warm-up a little. Her BM brought her a birthday card and a father's day card for my DH. She also brought her several outfits(from T.he P.lace - where she works).

After the rain passed, I was able to wipe off one of the swings. Baby C let us all push her at one point or another.... it was hard to leave, but Baby C was tired and it was cold from the rain.... It was difficult to leave. I wonder if we will see her again soon. We took picture and so did Baby C's birthgrandmother. It makes me hopeful for an ongoing relationship.

On June 19, 2011 (the one year aniversary of us bringing Baby C home), we had our meeting with her BM and BF. When we pulled up, they started to walk towards us. He waved. He shoke my husband's hand. We could tell right away he wasn't a people's-person. He even told us he wasn't. We sat under the shelter and caught up. We knew that their anniversary had been the day before (July 18). Guess what? He proposed to her!

I stared. I looked at what he was wearing. I looked at his hair, his eyes, his clothes and tatoos.

I wanted to know everything about him. We learned that he had worked at a local grocery store recently. One that we shop at regularly. It is very possible that we had met before and never knew it. Crazy, huh?

Baby C showed off her walking. He was able to hold her for a few seconds here and there. Baby C showed them how much she loved to play and drink juice really, really fast. They both pushed her in the swing and he went down the slide with her in his lap.

This time, it was 95+ degrees and I was 33+ pregnant. Our meeting lasted around an hour.

Late that night we got an email from Baby C's BM saying that he was happy about the meeting and he is looking forward to seeing Baby C again. Next time, he may bring his mother.

34 Week Check-Up

2011-07-27T21:37:00.000-04:00

We had our 34 week check-up today. We got there and were able to be seen just a few minutes later. I was also happy to learn that we have made all of our payments for the Dr./Midwife. (They had us on a payment plan since right after the first visit to pay for the Dr./Midwife during delivery. It's an estimate, so if we owe more we will be billed after delivery. Or, we could get a check in the mail if they charged us too much). I like that they do this. I am sure that we will also owe the hospital, so it's nice to get some of the bills out of the way ahead of time.
My sample was fine. My BP was 112/64 and my weight.... well, it's going up. We saw the same Dr. that we had seen at our 32 week-check up. I measured right on track and we got to hear her HB. As always, it was amazing to hear. Last time, he couldn't tell how she was positioned for sure, but this time he said she was head down! At our 30 week appointment, she was head down, but sunny side up. I hope she flips! Baby C was wantign to get on the floor and play; about half-way through the appointment my DH had to take her back out to the waiting room.

He let us ask a million questions. At our next appointment, I will be checked for GBS. If you remember a few weeks back, I had a UTI. They called it at UTI, but really my sample tested postitive for GBS and too much ecoli bacteria. So, I was put on an antibiotic. When I reminded him about it today, he said that we just wouldn't test becuse I would most likely have it. He said it would be treated with penicillin. However, that won't work for me because I am allergic! So, they will be testing me, but the will also be testing for sensitivity for another antibiotic. Most likely I will have it; now they just need to figure out how to treat it other than by using penicillin!

Our next appointment is 8.10.11 at 10 am. It will be our 36 week check-up!

12 Months

2011-07-26T11:36:00.002-04:00

Baby C turned 1 year on 7.16.11

Her one year check-up is next week (7.26). I will post her stats at that point.

We still can't find anything that she doesn't ~~like~~ LOVE to eat.

During the week before her birthday, we started to combine her S.imilac with whole cow milk.

Friday, 7.15, she had her last bottle right before bed and it was cow milk only.

We haven't looked back since!

She now gets milk in the morning when she wakes up and right before bed.

She sometimes want a few ounces before naptime. Other than that, she drinks juice and water.

We have learned that she must be eating when we are

and that still doesn't stop her from wanting what we have.

She hasn't added much to her adult vocabulary yet, but is 'talking' like crazy.

Her walking...well, she is all over the place. She still crawls some.

She can finally stand up by herself without holding onto anything, but still won't do it consistently. That is the only thing holding her back from RUNNING everywhere.

She loves her baby. It was a birthday present from Mommy & Daddy!

Baby C's Birthday

2011-07-25T08:31:00.001-04:00

Last Bottle

2011-07-24T08:31:00.000-04:00

Friday, 7.15.11, Baby C had her last bottle. So far, so good!

Party Day

2011-07-23T08:31:00.000-04:00

(I was really hot!)

Expanding Family

2011-07-22T11:32:00.000-04:00

32 Week Check-Up

2011-07-21T10:37:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, 7.13.11, we had our 32 week regular check-up. We got there and got to go back very soon after. After taking care of the basics, the appointment went fairly quickly. Basically, all is well. I am sooo not used to this. Everything is going well. It's just amazing!

I am to continue to taking my M.etformin and BA until the end of the pregnancy. I was happy about this. My one hour glucose test, which I passed, came back so well (112 when they wanted it under 130). My TSH level is doing well also. At my last blood check, my iron level was a little low, but nothing to be too concerned about. The Dr. said that I could take an over-the-counter medicine if I wanted, but didn't think it was a must (especially due to my GI issues from surgeries, meds, etc...). So, for now I won't (plus, I take my prenatal regularly).

I was okayed to go to a wedding two hours away the day before my due date. Hmm... still not sure if I want to do that or not.

I measured right on at 32 weeks, he thought that she was head down (still time for her to flip-flop, etc...) and we heard her precious HB.

It's time for appointments every two weeks! We go back for our 34 regular check-up on 7.27.11.

32 Week Belly Shot

2011-07-20T10:22:00.000-04:00

7.10.11

How It All Started - Part 3

2011-07-19T08:31:00.000-04:00

Posted July 19, 2010
We are now a family of three!

Posted July 31, 2010 (about July 19, 2010)
I am not sure how much I slept Saturday night. I do know that I was up bright and early. We didn’t want to spend all day at the hospital. It’s not that we didn’t want to see Baby C; it was that we were afraid that things were going to fall through. We were to meet our SW at the hospital at 3pm.

Unfortunately, our truck’s AC had been acting up in the days leading up to all of this. We had scheduled a maintenance appointment for 8am this day. We decided to not cancel. How could we bring a baby home with AC that was messed up? DH had tried to call the service center Saturday and Sunday, but they were closed. We were afraid to take the truck in because we would be stuck driving mine (my car has no AC at all). So, at 8am my DH called the center and told them that we still wanted to bring the truck in but had to have a rental that could fit a car seat. Needless to say a couple of hours later my DH pulled in our driveway with a 2010 Y.ukon that was fully loaded. Sweet!

The week before, we had also scheduled our two puppies for their yearly shots. Again, we didn’t want to cancel. To prepare, I gave the puppies a bath. When my DH got home, we loaded up to head to the appointment. The littlest had an accident in the office and both wanted to sit on the benches with us while we wanted. It was cute. The vet we go to is a family friend. The appointment probably lasted longer than normal due to all of the small talk. I know, he didn’t know that our lives were about to change in a big way and that we were nervous and in a hurry.

We then headed back home to finish getting things ready. I packed our diaper bag and we grabbed our video and still cameras (which we made sure were charged). We installed the car seat and the seat protector (that went…well, we got it in). Then, we finally hit the road.

I can’t remember at this point what we ate for breakfast or if we even did. At this point, that is not what matters most. I do remember still wanting a BIG bow for Baby C. We stopped at M.eijer to see what we could find. We didn’t have any luck.

We then proceeded to head to the hospital. We had been parking in a parking garage the days prior, but the rental truck was too tall to park there. Trust me, we tried. I was afraid that we were going to make the rental truck in to a convertible. So, we found a nearby parking lot that ended up also being free after validating our ticket. As we were parking, we noticed a gentleman filling up his gas tank. Had he ran out? Nope, that didn’t do the trick. We were in a rental, we didn’t have jumper cables. As we crossed the street, the gentleman yelled for us. We were parked close to him and another gentleman (who was parked outside of the lot) had offered his cables for us to use. DH looked at me; we couldn’t say no. So, as my DH moved the rental and helped, I stood in the parking lot holding my purse, the diaper bag, the cameras and the car seat. And, it was hot out! But, we felt like we did the right thing by stopping to help out. Wuldn’t you want someone to help you if this happened to you?

Once we walked into the hospital lobby, we went into the gift shop. The day before I had noticed that they had bows for sale. They were little bows, but I thought that the headband would be small enough for Baby C. We also got something to drink. After a quick potty break, we decided to wait in the lobby. During all of our conversations with our SW, the day before and that day, we never said where we were going to meet. Around 3pm I texted our SW saying that we were in the lobby. It took her a while to text back. She told us to wait there. It made us nervous that it took her a while and that her response was one word. Was something not going as planned? I tried to not let my mind go to crazy places by people watching.

A couple of minutes later she arrived. She had a smile on her face. It took her a while to text us because she was driving and then she had a shake/ice cream to finish before coming in.

We got our parking tickets validated and headed up to the third floor. We scrubbed our hands and met up with the hospital’s SW. We were placed in a small conference room. It was dim and the lamps were bolted to the center of the tables. We had one pen between the four of us (there was student SW there with our SW). We barely had any hard surfaces to write on.

We had to sign a ton of paperwork. Our SW had to read everything to us. We had to sign two of everything. One copy of the documents would be the agency’s and the other would be ours. Our SW kept telling us that there were two pieces that we couldn’t sign until we got the call from the other SW. Our BM was supposed to show up at the agency’s office between a certain time frame to sign her final pieces of paperwork.

I kid you not; our SW’s phone rang a million times. She received calls and messages about other cases. The student SW had to call before she got there to see where we were. Her phone even locked up. She had to take the battery out to fix it. She has one of those s.martphones were you have to enter a password each and every time you want to use it. OMGoodness, it made us so nervous every time we had to pause because of her phone! At one point, we did get word that our BM had gotten lost going to the agency.

We had gotten to the point where all that we had left was the final pieces of paperwork. Our SW had even signed the paperwork that the hospital required. Right then, her phone rang. Our BM had signed. We lost it! I looked up at the clock; it was 4:40pm. Our SW read the last of the paperwork to us and then we signed.

It was time to go met our daughter, Baby C.
Posted August 3, 2010 (about July 19, 2010)
We left the conference room and headed for the area in which Baby C was being kept. She was so peaceful. I didn’t want to wake her. But, I wanted to kiss her all over. I’ll be truthful, I hadn’t kissed her up until this point. I was afraid to. The next few moments are blurry to me. The area in which she was being kept had gotten pretty busy with more babies. Therefore, there were more family members and more nurses.

Within seconds of us walking in, the discharge routine was started. She was taken away to get her hearing test. She passed with flying colors.

One of the nurses asked us for the details of her first pediatrician’s appointment. What? We didn’t have one. They told us we needed one in order for Baby C to be discharged. Luckily, I had a practice in mind. I stepped out to call, but they had already closed for the day. Thankfully, the nurses understood our situation and simply put in Baby C’s file the name of the practice. They said that they would call us the next day for the details, but they never did.

We changed Baby C’s diaper and were able to change into her “coming home outfit” her for the ride home. What I had originally picked out, the blue dress-like outfit, didn’t fit. It was too big! So, she came home in a flowered zip-up sleeper (preemie size) and the hat in which we originally saw her in.

The nurses we amazing to us. We left the hospital with a ton of formula, diapers, dry wipes and soothies. One of the “Blanket Brigade” members happened to be around when we were being discharged; she sent us home with two blankets, a burp cloth, changing cloth and another hat. I also got a nice Si.milac bag.

DH left to pull the car around. We had received so much that I sent it down with him. While he was gone, I had to put Baby C in her car seat for the first time. She wasn’t too happy. But, I was actually happy to hear her cry; she had barely cried the first two days. Then, a nurse escorted us (the SW also) downstairs. Baby C cried most of the way. I felt so awkward trying to carry everything and trying to sooth her with her pacifier.

When we got downstairs, DH was waiting for us. After a few hugs, we were on our way. Of course, I sat in the back with her. I guess I started to feel a sense of relief on the way home because my stomach started growling. I was hungry! We stopped at Mc.Donalds. DH went in to get our food while Baby C and I waited in the car. She got a little fussy as we waited (probably because I started taking pictures). I have never eaten so fast before. Mickey D’s has never tasted so good either.

Then entire ride home, we talked about how we were going to tell everyone. We got home around 6pm and had to change two diapers within minutes of walking in the door. It was time to let our family in on our secret. We set up the video camera to capture our side of the conversations. DH called his Dad, Mom, brother and brother’s girlfriend first. They had just grilled steaks, but once they heard we wanted them to comer over, they left dinner behind. He also called his other brother, sister-in-law and their children. They too came right over. While we were waiting for them, I called my sister (that lives near us). She was at work (she is working for the C.ensus). She said she would get to the house as soon as possible.

I want to remind you that they knew nothing. My sister knew something was up since I had ditched her Saturday morning. But, we had been pretty much ignoring everyone since we had received the call.

As we waited, we got our gum cigars and pink angel bow ready. DH had purchased these on his way down to bring the car around. We also set up our video camera. It seems like it took everyone forever to get to our house. DH’s family showed up at the same time. As they were walking up, I pushed the record button. Our hearts raced. Our lives had already been changed and now it was their turn.

As they came in the front door, DH handed everyone one of the cigars and I held Baby C where they could see her. The reactions were priceless. Tears flowed and emotions were let loose. Smiles were plastered on all of our faces.

A little while later, we did the same thing when my sister and her daughter arrived. Again, words cannot explain these moments.

We told them what we could about the adoption, but mostly we focused on Baby C. Her name, weight, length, eyes, skin tone, etc... were all topics of conversation. Everyone wanted their chance to hold her. Eventually, my sister went back to her house and brought back a bouncy seat and play yard. Around 9pm, we set up the camera again and called my other sister and my brother. They too were in complete shock.

Our family then had to leave, they had jobs to get back to the next day. It had been a long day for Baby C. It had been a whirlwind of a weekend for us. It was time for our first night as a family of three.

How It All Started - Part 2

2011-07-18T08:31:00.002-04:00

Posted July 18, 2010No words can explain how we feel.
We have been told to stay grounded.
How in the world do they expect us to do that?
We are trying so hard to be realistic, yet optimistic.
Less than 24 hours from now our house could get a little more crowded.
No one knows yet, but you.
It's so hard to keep a secret; especially a secret like this.

Posted July 26, 2010 (about July 18, 2010)We woke up Sunday having little or no sleep. I can’t remember if we had breakfast or not anywhere. If we did, I assure you that I didn’t eat much. We headed straight to the hospital. Our plan was to spend time there, but not all day. We had talked with our SW about that. We wanted to see her so badly, but were so scared of what could or could not happen in the hours to come.

When I saw her Sunday, she was even more precious than the day before. We knew that we had to call our SW soon with her name. That morning we were still pondering, but had continually narrowed it down. Once we were at the hospital and able to hold her, it just clicked. We knew that we had figured out what she was to be called. We texted our SW. She said, “Great name!” She then contacted the Records Department at the hospital. From then on, we started calling her by her name. It started feeling more and more real…and like it could actually happen.

After a few hours, we left the hospital on a mission. We needed something to bring her home in. It’s tough find preemie cloths; especially something other than a sleeper. We went store to store and finally found something at Sear’s. It was hard for me to purchase something. I only wanted to buy one outfit, but DH insisted on two. We also spotted a bedding set and wall décor that we absolutely loved at BRU. Again, DH wanted to buy it, but I just couldn’t dare. At T.arget I found a NB dress and bloomers that I thought may fit; it was too cute to resist. Even though we looked everywhere, I couldn’t find any bows. I wanted a BIG bow. Buy everything I found was to big in the headband or way too small in the bow. We tried to eat lunch at G.old S.tar in the mall, but that didn’t settle to well with me.

We decided it was time to head back to the hospital. On our way in, my phone rang. It was our SW. She reassured me that everything was o.k. Another SW had just met with Baby C’s BFamily to get the BD’s history. The meeting had gone as planned. Another hurdle had been met. That’s another reason we left the hospital that afternoon. I was so afraid that we would get a phone call that they had changed their mind while we were there with Baby C. But, that didn’t happen. That phone call allowed me to breathe, but only a little.

We proceeded to go upstairs to spend more time with Baby C. A few hours passed and reality really started to settle in. We had nothing but a car seat/stroller combo and a few outfits. We left the hospital around 5ish and headed back to BRU to make a registery as a list. DH was in charge of the registery gun. He had fun. I pointed, he registered away. The gentleman from the night before was there again. He was so helpful. We bought a few more things ourselves including a sippie cup with her name (I know, that’s a while away). He gave us an expired coupon to use and said that cashier would honor it. Sure enough, another act of kindness. I am sure that we got dinner somewhere on the way home, but I can’t remember where. I knew that I wouldn’t be cooking anytime soon.

When we got home, we completed a few more things around the house. The night before, I had remembered that I had bought a diaper bag at the V.era B.radley outlet sale a few years back. I pulled it out from under our bed and threw it in the washer.

Sunday night, I did a load of baby laundry for the first time. It smelled soooo good. I couldn’t wait to pack the diaper bag. I would save that for Monday.

How It All Started - Part 1

2011-07-17T08:31:00.000-04:00

Posted July 17, 2010 (1 day after Baby C's Birthday)My phone rang a little before 10am.
My DH took THE CALL at first.
Then we put her on speaker.
Our hearts were, still are, beating out of our chests.
Today our lives have changed forever. No matter what happens in the days to come.
At 1:15pm today, I held a baby that could be ours forever.
Tomorrow, we get to visit again.
More details to follow.
Now, we wait until Monday.
Pray for us. Pray for the birth family. Pray for the little one.

Posted July 22, 2010 (about July 17, 2010)
Saturday started off interesting. My DH was still upset with our oldest puppy, CHI. Friday night; I had caught her chewing on my DH’s night mouth guard. Then, he realized that his retainer was also missing. Sure enough, CHI had broken it! Needless to say, my DH was upset and wasn’t on talking terms with CHI even on Saturday morning. I even told my DH that it was partly his fault since he had left it out. I asked him, “What are you going to do when we have children?”

We had plans to attend a festival that our community hosts annually. I was going to go watch the bike/wagon parade and was to later on help out with the cake walk. At 10:27am I posted a status on F.acebook. I then went to take a shower. I always take my phone with me to the shower. Except for some reason, I didn’t Saturday. Someone in the family texted my phone and my DH checked to see what it said. Then, at 10:34am, my phone rang. It came up as Private Number. He answered the call. One moment I was in the bathtub and then next thing I know I heard a knock on the door. I said, “What do you want?” He said, “It’s ******** (the director of our agency).” I have never gotten out of the shower so fast. I grabbed a towel and out I went. We put her on speaker phone. She asked us if we were sitting down. So, we said that we could. She then proceeded to tell us that we had been matched. We were elated. And, the next thing she said rocked our world even more… the baby had been born the day before. The next 27 minutes and 45 seconds were spent discussing the ends and outs of the match. We knew that this was IT for us!

She asked when we could get to the hospital since the BFamily wanted us to take care of Baby C while she was in the hospital. We said that we would love to even though we knew that there were risks involved. All that I can say is that the BFamily hadn’t worked with our agency until Baby C was already born. The rest is our Baby’s story and we want to keep that to ourselves. This match seems like it was destiny!

We were in total shock. We still are. We finished getting ready and tried to call my sister to try to tell her that I would not be able to help her that day. She didn’t answer. We gathered our cameras and went to find my sister. Of course, she was busy working with the children at the festival. We pulled her to the side and simply said, “I won’t be able to help you out today at the cake walk. We are on the way to hospital…for a good reason!” We then ran off!

Of course we hadn’t eaten yet and we needed gas (K.roger). At the gas station, we got another call from the agency. We knew that the BFamily wanted to leave the hospital against the doctor’s orders and the BM wanted to meet us. Needless to say, we got the hospital pretty fast and I didn’t eat much of the lunch that we had just purchased (W.endy’s). Once we got closer to the hospital, the phone rang again. It was our SW asking how close we were (we were in the parking garage). We meet our SW where she tried to calm our nerves. We got our parking passes verified and then took the elevators to the 3rd floor. Before seeing Baby C, we had to wash our hands. That was a learning experience in itself. When we finished washing our hands, we turned around …. There stood Baby C’s BM. She recognized us. She was brief. She wanted us to name Baby C. We thanked her over and over again. I wanted to touch her. I wanted to hug her. The SW tried to help us all talk. Baby C’s BM asked me not to cry, I didn’t. As quickly as the conversation started, it ended and she left. We had to get banded before we saw Baby C. Our SW had to take care of some things in order to do that. That’s when I lost it. I had just met the BM of my daughter.

Posted July 24, 2010 (about July 17, 2010)
… After pulling ourselves together (the best that we could), it was time to meet Baby C. As soon as we walked into the area in which she was being kept, I saw her precious face. She was lying in her bed with her head facing towards us. Her eyes were closed and she had on the most precious hat. I could tell that they hat must have been made by volunteers. We were introduced as the adoptive parents and then identifying information was moved. Chairs were repositioned and within a few moments I got to hold Baby C for the first time (1:15pm, I looked at the nearest clock). She was so tiny and content. She smelled…like a baby. DH also got to hold her. The SW reminded us that it would be nice to take pictures. She didn’t even flinch. We then took turns holding her. We got to change her and feed her. Her little diapers were so cute; she had on P.ampers, preemie size. We even had to fold them down. That day’s feeding went slow. We weren’t completely sure of what to do and she was so tired that it took a while for her to finish.

Before the SW left, she was going to check with the clerk to make sure everything was good as far as us checking in and out, etc… The SW came back in and told us that they had just gotten a call from the Records Department; they wanted her name. We had no clue! Luckily, our SW was able to work it out so that we could have that evening to ponder over her name, but we had to get back to her early Sunday morning so that she could then call the Records Department.

Around 6pm, we decided to leave the hospital. We were hungry. We needed a car seat. And, we needed a name. I swear we walked around in a complete daze that evening. We went back and forth between being completely in shock, to pure nervous, to optimistic, to pessimistic, to scared… our emotions were everywhere. The first stop that we made was B.abies R U.S. Our SW said that we could borrow someone’s car seat that we knew or that she could dig one out that she has for situation such as ours. She also said that the baby could even sleep in one until we figure out something different. She also warned us that they more people we tell…the more people would have to tell if things did not work out. We decided to not tell anyone. So, we entered BRU on a mission. I felt lost. I wanted something perfect. I wanted something that I had time to research. But, I needed something right then. I needed whatever I could find. The gentlemen that helped us was terrific. HE asked us, “When do you need this?” I thought to myself, ‘we needed this like yesterday.’ He noticed our hospital bands and DH and I just laughed. He probably thought we left our newly born baby at the hospital to come and shop because we were so unprepared. Were we one of those cases where the woman didn’t know she was pregnant? Finally, I just told him what was up. His demeanor changed. His face lit up. He had a friend that had adopted, but that had a rough time with it. He said something to point of, “I gotta figure out something for you.” The next thing we knew we were offered a $300 set (stroller, cars eat & base) for $75. We couldn’t pass up that deal. It was also unisex. We told him that if everything worked out, that we would be back Sunday.

We then went to B.orders to pick up a book of baby names. I also found a cute, unisex, baby journal. And, DH found a fantasy football magazine. At the register, nothing was really said between us and the cashier, but when she rang us out she randomly have us 20% off of the baby journal. That made us smile.

We then went to eat at Cheeseburger in Paradise. I barely ate. We looked through the baby name book over and over again. Some names we instantly threw out and others sounded pretty good. Eventually, we had narrowed down our list. We were able to come up with the middle names first. Yes, she has two middle names. My sister and I both do. And, both of the middle names are based on family names. I think that it was so tough to come up with a first name because we were so set on the middle names.

The car ride home was just like that car ride there and rides to and from the stores. Have you ever driven somewhere and not remembered how you got there? That was us Saturday, Sunday and still today for us. When we got home, we started to clean out the room that is to be the nursery; it had been used as a catch all room. We cleaned up a little around the house and tried to get some sleep. My heart was anxious.