3 month photos

Time flies

We're still here and kicking! November flew by...obviously so quickly I didn't remember to tell you about it. We have had a great 5 weeks. Here are some of the highlights:

• Amelia laughs! Well, I've only heard it once, but her teachers at daycare say she has been laughing at and interacting with the other children. Jon and I spend lots of time trying to coax one out at home, but I guess we aren't as funny as a 9 month old!
• More sleep...then less sleep... Amelia had started sleeping really well - sometimes 5 or 6 hours straight. Right before Thanksgiving, she started waking up again throughout the night. I hear this isn't uncommon, but it has certainly made getting up for work more challenging. I hope we're reversing the pattern - last night she slept from 10:00 to 5:00!
• 3 month photos...coming soon!
• Thanksgiving: What a great first holiday for Amelia! We had A LOT of family time...I don't think you can have too much family time, although Amelia may disagree :) Her recovery time on Sunday was pretty rough. I think it was all a little overwhelming for her...so much to do, so many hugs to give, so many people to see...and so little time. It's a learning process for all of us and we'll just have to adjust as we go along.
• Pictures with Santa! We were in Springfield last weekend and Amelia met Santa for the first time at Drury's Breakfast with Santa. She did great all morning and was very patient, considering we were in the last group to get pictures done. Never fails...we are the next people in line and she starts to get fussy. But I'm impressed she lasted as long as she did! I'm still waiting for the pictures to come back, but will post soon.

We're looking forward to a great December, packed full of events, friends and family and holiday celebrations!

Milestone...rolling over

I couldn't have asked for a better way to end my 1/2 days with Amelia. My last afternoon at home with her (Oct. 22) she gave me the greatest gift...I was there to see her roll over for the first time! She had done it a couple of times on the bed, but this was her first "real" rolling over...at least in my book. She did it three times that weekend, and I was lucky enough to catch the third time on video. Unfortunately, she hasn't rolled over since...she must have known I needed that moment to help me through the next week.

Sorry for the poor video quality - I'm still working on my camera skills.

Newborn pics

I finally got Amelia's newborn pics back from the photographer. Here are a few of my favorites!

Has it really been so long?

I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted; I don't even know where to start. So rather than try to recapture the last month, I'm just going to start from where we are now and try to do better in the future!

Amelia had her 2 month check up on Friday. She weighed in at a healthy 9 pounds 6 oz. and is 20 3/4 inches long. She is in the 25th percentile for weight and the 10th percentile for length, which is consistent for where she was at her first appointment. She also had her first round of shots and I'm happy to report that we all survived! Jon was there...probably less for Amelia and more for me :) Amelia certainly didn't enjoy the shots, but was her normal self once we got home that afternoon.

In other big firsts, last night was Amelia's first night in her crib and it went amazingly well. We were up from 3-5 am, but that isn't unusual on occasion. And tomorrow is her first day in daycare. She will be going for 1/2 days for two weeks to help us (me, mainly) ease into it.

With so many firsts this week, I'm not sure how I did (or will) survive, but Amelia seems to be such an easy-going baby, that I don't worry about how she will do, and that is a wonderful feeling.

New pics...

Breastfeeding

I knew before I had Amelia how important breastfeeding was to me, and, in talking with friends who recently had babies, I knew it could be challenging. I was committed to making it work for us. I was so lucky that Amelia knew what to do (more than me!) right away...she latched with little help as soon as she was placed on my chest after she was born. We had some guidance in the hospital, but overall the initial learning phase was pretty easy. Our patience with each other through that learning process certainly helped us through it.

Fast forward to our first week home...breastfeeding IS hard work! It is painful and time consuming, and makes sleeping for more than 2 hours at a time very difficult. It amazes me that something so natural would be so difficult (and hurt so much those first couple of weeks!). But knowing that I am able to provide something for my daughter that no one else can is quite an empowering feeling, and I'm so glad I've stuck with it.

I have started pumping so that Jon can help with some of the feedings to give me a little break, and so that we are ready with a supply for when I go back to work in a few weeks. Amelia took to the bottle right away, and we haven't had any problems switching between the bottle and the breast.

Whew...

I finally have a few minutes to catch my breath...and catch you up on my first month of motherhood. Amelia is napping peacefully next to me on the couch, and while I should be napping myself, I usually find myself trying to squeeze in other tasks...checking email, catching up on work stuff, straightening up the house, laundry, etc. Life with an infant is exhausting!

But, while exhausting, this first month has been an absolute joy, and has gone by way too fast. She has grown and changed so much in these first weeks, and it is exciting to see and a little frightening that it has flown by. From 5 lbs/13 oz, she is now close to 8 lbs (at least according to my bathroom scale...which I don't always claim is accurate :). She is still in "newborn" sizes, but I imagine we'll be moving up to 0-3 months before I know it.

We spend our days napping, taking walks around the neighborhood or going to the park, running errands and playing together. It is quite interesting trying to figure out how to entertain a one-month old. We do tummy time, read books, and sing songs, and I can't wait until we see some interaction on her part. She seems mesmerized by our voices, watching her mobile or other toys and every day I see a new expression or movement and am thrilled to watch her develop.

Sleep has been difficult - on average I get about 2 hours between feedings and diaper changes. Luckily, she isn't a big crier, but she does fuss quite a bit when she needs something (as all babies do, I'm sure). I'm ready for some longer sleep time, and really hope that happens before I return to work, as right now I'm not sure how I would survive an 8 hour day without my morning nap!

More pictures!

This little one is keeping me quite busy...and tired...but here are some pictures to tide you over until I can write more...

Introducing Amelia Jean!

I guess we were ready after all! Saturday I woke up at 6:00 hungry and crampy. I went downstairs to eat breakfast. After failing to fall back asleep, I decided to run some errands and did some shopping. My cramps were stronger and my back was hurting at this point, at rather regular intervals of 7 minutes apart.
Because I was still only 38 weeks pregnant, I think I was in denial that I may actually be in labor. I came home to wait for Jon to return from his golf game (knowing he doesn't get to play very often, I wanted him to enjoy the day). About 1:30 I couldn't take it any more - I was in pretty severe pain every 5 minutes. I called Jon and told him to come home...NOW. He was on the 16th hole...luckily he fought his urge to finish out his game and rushed home. I was hunched over the bed when he got there - I think we both realized it was time to go to the hospital.
After throwing last minute items in our bag, we made it to the hospital around 2:15. I was taken in for "observation" but it was pretty obvious to everyone I was in labor - and when I was checked I was already 5 cm dilated - I had done the majority of the labor at home. We were moved to our birthing room. When the nurse asked if I wanted an epidural, she didn't even have to finish the question before I answered, "YES!"
We rushed through labs so I would be able to get the epidural. If we had been 30 minutes later I probably would have had to go drug free (thank goodness Jon didn't finish his golf game!).
The anesthesiologist was my favorite person that afternoon - the epi worked wonders. After a couple short hours of labor and pushing, we welcomed Amelia Jean Molloy into this world at 5:37 pm. She was 5 lbs, 13 oz and 19.25 inches long and absolutely perfect. I was in love with this little girl before I even met her, and this has been a truly an amazing experience. Now I get to hold her in my arms...I can't take my eyes off her...and I'm excited for this new stage in our lives. Motherhood is unbelievable - exciting, joyful, scary and thrilling.

Ready to Go?

We had our 36 week appointment today with an ultrasound to check on the growth and position of the baby. I'm happy to report that the baby is head down and spine up, perfect position for birth, so it looks like she is ready to go! They estimate her weight at 6 lbs/ 5 oz. We could see a little hair and her chubby cheeks on the ultrasound...absolutely precious. Everything looks great, she appears to be healthy, and I'm progressing toward labor exactly how I should be. Now we just wait and see when she wants to make her appearance!

And since I am asked everyday how I'm feeling, I will just say, I feel pretty good for being 36 weeks pregnant :) It isn't easy, but I have had such an easy pregnancy, that I just feel fortunate every day that it has been so uneventful. BUT...if you really want the truth...I'm tired, my back aches constantly, I'm swollen and my feet are killing me. Here's hoping for a quick 26 days (give or take) 'til this little girl arrives!

Check, check and check

I feel like we've made great progress on our "To Do" list. We've picked a day care, set up the nursery, made all of our "big" purchases (that I know of) and are almost done with our birthing classes. We still have a newborn care class to take, need to install the carseat, meet with our peditrician and a couple of miscellaneous things, but I have to say that I actually feel prepared. I didn't think I'd feel this calm with six weeks to go, but I'm just so excited to meet this little girl.
Here are some pictures of the nursery...the glider has already become one of my favorite places!

2 months to go!

Here I am at 31.5 weeks...by the looks of me, we're having a very, very healthy baby!




After a week on bedrest, I was back at the doctor on Monday for a check up. The baby sounded great! They did tell me that I am still having contractions - these were about 2 minutes apart. But I'm still not dialated, so the doctor approved me to go back to work full time, as long as I pay attention to anything that may change and that I take care of myself. This week has been pretty good so far, and I hope that the next 8 weeks are uneventful!

I'm looking forward to a relaxing 3-day weekend. Despite feeling better, I'm still not sleeping well, so I hope to catch up on some sleep and use the weekend to finish up the nursery. Pictures coming soon!

First trip to Labor and Delivery

Friday started off as a very normal day. I had my scheduled 2 week check up that morning and went in thinking it would be a quick in and out visit. My doctor asked me the normal questions - and when she asked about me feeling the baby move, I told her that I don't really feel her a whole lot, unless it is a strong kick or punch. But that we saw her in the ultrasound and she was moving quite a bit without me feeling her.

She decided to set me up for NST (non-stress tests) twice a week either until I start to feel her move more or until I deliver, just to make sure everything looks fine with the baby. However, after she listened to the heartbeat, she was a little concerned that the heartbeat wasn't accelerating or slowing down - it was pretty consistent, so she sent me over to have an NST that afternoon.

I was hooked up to two monitors, one for the baby's heartbeat and one to detect any movement. Everything with the baby was completely normal - strong heartbeat, movement, etc. So no concerns there. But then the nurse mentions that I'm having contractions and can I feel them? I tell her no. She calls the doctor to let her know the results, and comes back to tell me she's taking me to labor and delivery where my doctor will meet me.

I get wheeled through the hospital to labor and delivery, where they hook me up to the same monitors. I'm told that I have ketones in my urine which means I'm probably just dehydrated. So I start drinking (LOTS OF) water.

My doctor had come in by this point - and let me tell you how much I love my doctor. I had left my cell phone in my car, and I didn't have Jon's work number memorized, so she went out to my car to retrieve my phone so I could reach my husband. How awesome is that??

I wasn't dilated, but the contractions were getting stronger (I could now feel them) and very regular (at their worst, about 4 minutes apart - we could predict them on the monitor). I was hooked up to an IV to help get more fluids. One and a half bags of fluid later, I was still having contractions but luckily still wasn't dilated.

I was given to medications to relax my muscles with the hopes that once the contractions went away, they would stay away. So finally at 6:00 pm (after 5 hours in the hospital), the contractions had stopped and I was sent home, but put on bedrest through Monday when I go back to the doctor.

The best news is that the baby is absolutely fine - she was moving so much in the hospital the nurse had a hard time keeping the heartrate monitor on her. We may have a pretty active child if this is any indication :)

And now I know what I should watch for, and I feel so much more comfortable knowing that when the time actually comes for this little girl to arrive (let's pray for 8-10 more weeks) that I am in great hands.

More baby pics!

Saturday was filled with preparations for the baby. In addition to the shower, I scheduled a 3d scan for the morning so we could see our little one again. It was quite the experience - the room was set up almost like a movie theater with leather couches and relaxing music. The scan was projected on a large movie screen. There was plenty of room for lots of family to enjoy the show, and I'm glad my mom was able to share the experience with us.

Our little girl looks (very!) healthy and it was absolutely amazing to see her face, her fingers and toes. She definitely looks like Jon!

Shower for Baby Molloy

I spent Saturday surrounded by friends and family celebrating this little lady. And, boy, is she loved. We had great food, lots of fun...and a ton of onsies thanks to a very creative craft project! Thanks to Amy, Brande and Jessica for hosting such a fantastic party. I definitely feel more prepared for her arrival following Saturday - we got lots of great (and helpful) stuff for this little one. I'm growing more and more anxious for her arrival!

I loathe my sciatic nerve

So for about the last week, I've been suffering from random, sudden surges of pain in my lower back and leg. Until yesterday, I was able to manage. Yesterday was another story. I've never experienced so much pain in my life (and yes, I realize I still have labor to look forward to :)

I knew it was going to be a rough day when I struggled to get my shoes on in the morning without searing pain. As I went to work and went about my morning, the pain continued to get worse. At the point where I was tearing up as I walked and when the ladies at work forced me to sit down (and offered to wheel me out on a chair!) I knew I needed to call my doctor.

I had been putting it off, because I knew more than likely it was my sciatic nerve from researching online, and I also knew that there isn't much doctors can do to help the pain - but I didn't know what else to do. Upon the advice of one of the nurses, I went home, put my feet up, used a heating pad, and didn't get off the couch the rest of the day. I woke up able to walk again (hallelujah) with limited pain.

I did go to the doctor today to make sure everything was fine - the baby and I both checked out very healthy, so no issues there. My doctor told me if I continue to suffer from sciatic nerve pain that she will refer me to a physical therapist.

I've realized today that yesterday was just a minor irritation in what has otherwise been an easy pregnancy. But it also made me realize that I need to slow down and not push myself too hard. I certainly don't want to relive what I went through yesterday, so I'm willing to cut back a little to make sure we all stay healthy.

I'M HUGE

Here are pictures of me at 26 weeks:

I know that every pregnancy is different, and I know that we all show differently, but I've run into two women in the past week who are two weeks ahead of me and MUCH smaller. I know I shouldn't compare myself to them, but I've already outgrown my first round of maternity clothes and with the heat setting in, I'm really starting to feel huge. And yes, I know all that matters is the baby is healthy, and that it will all be worth it in the end, but for now I've definitely hit a rough spot.

Happy Mother's Day!

Wishing all you moms out there a wonderful Mother's Day! I hope each of you have had the day you've hoped for and have celebrated well.

I came home from a wonderful, very-needed, relaxing vacation to an assembled crib and changing table (Jon even put the bedding in so I could see the whole thing together) - it was a great mother's day surprise! We still have work to do in organizing and clearing out the space (ignore the bookshelves!) but it's a great start to see it come together.

Scare and realization

We had a good day yesterday - we had a great date night (dinner and movie...and I highly recommend How to Train Your Dragon...super cute!). We got home and took the dogs for a walk. When we got home, the dogs crashed in the front yard, so we were all hanging out enjoying the weather. I don't pretend we have the most well-behaved dogs, but given they were exhausted from the walk, I didn't think much about it when a woman came down the sidewalk with her two dogs. Capone decided he HAD to play with the dogs, and I was not at all prepared to hold him back. Somehow I ended up twisted, on my stomach, and dragged across the yard. In normal circumstances, I would have found the entire situation funny (embarrassing due to my poorly behaved dog, but still funny).

However, I.freaked.out. I was terrified that I had somehow just injured the baby. I broke down in tears, scared of what may have just happened. And then I realized (yet again) what an amazing husband I have - he may not always say the right thing, but he sure knows when it's the right time to make it count. After reassuring me that my body is built to take way more than that, I calmed down. I've felt her move a lot today, so I know she's doing well.

I knew I loved this little girl, but I had NO IDEA how incredibly attached I am to her. The realization that I would do absolutely anything to protect her was quite amazing.

Nursery and daycare...under way!

The crib, changing table and bedding have been purchased! Here are some pics of what looks like(once it's put together!).

We've also started checking out daycare options for when our little one arrives. We have yet to actually visit, but that's next on our list. The one I'm most interested in (at my work - a hands-on, interactive childcare center which also serves as a learning laboratory for early childhood education students) has had great reviews - by other parents and even by other daycare centers we've talked to (I figure that's a good sign). But this center enrolls students by birthdate, so if our little girls shows up in August as expected, she won't be able to start until September 2011. So we're looking into some of our other options and while I'm still overwhelmed by this whole process, I realize we have some great choices and I'm feeling a little less stressed about some of these decisions :)

Long Overdue Belly Pics

I always have good intentions to post weekly belly pics, but these last few weeks have been crazy. I've worked the last two weeks straight, and I'm looking forward to a long awaited vacation to California and some girl time!

Here I am at 22 weeks. It's hard to believe how time is flying by. I've been so fortunate to feel pretty good during most of the pregnancy so far. I ran some errands today and after a lot of walking, am definitely feeling some tension in my back and feet - a new (not-so-welcome) feeling for me. I'm really looking forward to a massage in a few days!

Baby (GIRL!!) Molloy

We had our anatomy scan on Thursday. Everything looks healthy...and we found out we are having a precious baby girl. We were thrilled to know everything looks good - and I'm thrilled to be able to start shopping :) It was so exciting to see her moving during the ultrasound. She was quite active - I loved seeing her pull her legs up and see her with her hands move up and down by her head (the "talking on the phone" position as our ultrasound tech told us...uh oh!...typical girl!).

I still haven't felt her move (at least nothing completely definite - some movements that I may just be confusing with digestive issues!) but we were assured it is nothing to worry about and should happen soon. After seeing all of the movements in the scan, I am anxious to feel her moving around in there.

23 Weeks to go...

...and it seems so far away, but I know it will probably fly by. Seems like each week creeps by, but it's also so hard to believe we're nearly half way there!

Went to have my blood drawn for the quad test (looks at the chance for potential genetic disorders). While we weren't sure if we really needed to do the test (we knew we wouldn't make an drastic decisions regarding the pregnancy based on the results), but we wanted to make sure we were well-prepared if we needed to be. The doctor called on Friday to let us know everything came back normal...a welcome relief.

Here are the 17 week pictures...sorry I skipped a week, but you haven't missed much :)

Doctor's Appointment

I had my monthly check-up today and everything looks great! The baby's heartbeat is strong. S/he kept moving a lot while we were listening - sounds like we have quite the active little guy/gal on our hands! I can't wait until I can actually feel the movement, although I know I still have several weeks to go. We'll find out the gender at our next appointment (one month!).

My cravings for greasy fast food are slowly subsiding and I've been wanting a lot more fruit and veggies, so I'm glad summer is just around the corner and we'll have lots of good stuff in season.

We've started looking into daycare, insurance, car seats, strollers, etc., etc. Of course, once we find out the gender, we'll also have the nursery to start planning! Talk about overwhelming! I need to remember to take it one thing at a time. We still have several months to go and plenty of time to get it all done, but it's hard to believe we're already this far along. Time really flies!

Here are my weekly pictures - it's strange to see how little (or much, depending on the week) - my body is changing.

14 Weeks

Not a lot new this week - and not a lot of visible changes. I'm feeling really good - still a little tired, but that may be due to this drawn out winter more than the pregnancy at this point. The baby keeps growing...he/she is the size of a large orange this week. Apparently, the baby is moving quite a bit, but I haven't felt anything yet (and probably won't for at least several more weeks).

Growing!

It's only been a week, but the change seems pretty dramatic (to me, at least!). I am officially too big for my regular pants, and I have resorted to leggings and maternity pants (the maternity pants are actually still big on me, but are SO much more comfortable than my regular pants at this point...stretchy is good!). I am officially in my second trimester - "they" say that I should start to get some of my energy back and I am SO ready for that to happen. According to my books, the baby is about the size of a lemon this week. I love how they use fruit as a measurement, but it actually makes it much easier to visualize!

On another note, I told my work last week that I was pregnant. As nervous as I was (and as guilty as I feel about the timing), my boss was nothing but supportive - not that I was truly surprised. I am fortunate to work with such great people. I guess the news is officially official now!

Itty Bitty Baby Bump

Here are the first of many "baby bump" pictures. While I'm barely showing, my pants tell a different story about my growth. I'm currently wearing pants secured snuggly by a ponytail holder. I'm in the terrible in-between stage - I can't fit into my regular clothes but I'm still too small for maternity clothes. But I'll save the trauma of clothes shopping while pregnant for another post.

Our first baby pic

This was taken at our first doctors appointment (at 7 weeks). Thank goodness for the arrow, otherwise it would have been like the episode of Friends were Rachel couldn't point out the baby. If you look closely you can see the dark shadow of our little bean.