The best three weeks

I am in complete awe that I've been a mama for three weeks. Time was absolutely standing still the last few days that I was pregnant and waiting for my baby to arrive and now it's moving so fast I'm afraid to blink. These past three weeks have truly been some of the best times of my life. Even through the exhaustion, endless stream of visitors, and roller coaster of emotions, I just can't stop staring at my sweet baby and feeling so lucky that she's mine. I love watching her make faces and watching her sleep. I love watching her Daddy interact with her. I love that Rocky takes his role as big brother very seriously and already loves her so much. I love snuggling up on the couch with my little family and knowing that all I ever need is right there.

At our last doctor's appointment, when Noelle was one week old, after losing a bit of weight she then surpassed her birth weight, going from her birth weight of 8 lbs 4 oz to 7 lbs 12.8 oz to 8 lbs, 7.4 oz. I still can't believe that I had an 8 lb baby! As chunky as she seems, she's also such a peanut, and getting good use out of her newborn clothes, that I wasn't sure she would fit into. She is such a good baby! She hardly cries and just makes little noises when she wakes up. She's so alert when she's awake and her awake time is getting longer and longer. Although, the past few nights she decided that her awake time should be from 9pm to midnight. As sweet as she is, this sleepy mama's not a fan of that time frame. She does sleep pretty well, going for 3-3.5 hours at night and she goes right back to sleep after eating. During the day she seems to sleep better when she's being held, so now I move the Rock & Play downstairs with me so I can get something done since she sleeps well in that and I just wake her every 2-3 hours to eat. The hardest part has been breast feeding. She nurses well and has right from birth but the first week and a half I was so sore and I feel like all I do is nurse her. Especially during the day when she goes every two-ish hours between feedings. Breast feeding deserves a whole post of its own but that's been the biggest challenge.

Jeff went back to work after about a week and a half and it definitely takes a lot longer to get anything done without him home. He has been such a huge help and has made it very easy for me to just focus on loving on and feeding Noelle. Now that he's not home in the morning, I've been trying to go back to sleep after Noelle's 7am-ish feeding so that I can catch up on sleep but it's hard starting the day at 10am. Especially trying to eat breakfast, feed and change her, and throw a shower in there. We're doing lots of laundry, too, since her newborn clothes are limited. It's amazing how short the day becomes when you're taking care of a newborn. I am on her schedule which doesn't leave time for much else, besides staring at her. I do a lot of that.

As for me, I'm feeling really good. After labor, I was pretty sore all over, like I just ran a marathon, but that went away pretty quickly. My belly went down much faster than I thought it would, it's just kinda mushy. I thought it would be weird to not have a big belly anymore but it is nice to be getting back to my old self, which actually only took less than a week. I can bend over again! My body definitely needs some work but seriously, the breast feeding diet is the way to go. I am down about 30-32lbs, which is 8-10 lbs less than my pre-pregnancy weight. I definitely had/have weight to lose but it was amazing how it just melted right off. This was the last thing I expected, especially after struggling with my weight for the past couple of years. I'm trying to get walks in but that's easier said than done, especially by myself. I do plan on doing a post completely dedicated to weight loss so that it will motivate me to keep going.

There are so many things I don't want to forget about this precious time.

• The way that Noelle scrunches up her face like a pirate right before she starts nursing.
• The way that the top of her head smells and even her little piggies.
• The way that she looks into my eyes like she knows exactly who I am.
• How sweet her Daddy is with her and how natural fatherhood came to him. There is nothing more precious than watching him interact with her.
• How she wraps her little fingers around mine when she's nursing.
• How she fits in the teeny space in my lap.
• Her sweet little smiles while she sleeps.
• How she crosses her little hands under her chin when she sleeps on my chest.
• The little humming noises she makes when she's nursing and wide awake.
• How sweet my Rocky is with her.
• The way Jeff suddenly has 10 sets of eyes when he's driving with with a baby on board.
• How my heart skips a beat when he says things like "my girls" when he asks about us.
• How many times a day we both look at her and say, "Can you believe she's ours?" or "Look at her now!" when she moves slightly, or "Isn't she the most precious thing in the whole world?"
• How complete I feel when I'm snuggled up with my little family.

Motherhood is everything I thought it would be and more.

As much as I want to document and share everything, I am trying to soak up every moment with my sweet girl and usually don't have both hands free at the same time. (I actually started this post a week ago!) I am taking a bajillion pictures but I'm suddenly having a hard time with the idea of putting my baby's pictures on the internet. I haven't decided what I'm going to do but in the meantime, I'm going to be limiting her pictures on the blog. I know I'm not a huge blogger but it's just weighing heavily on me. I do hope to get her birth story written and may post monthly updates with regular family stuff but for right now, it's really just hard to post anything with one hand :)

Thank you for your sweet comments, texts, and emails. We are so blessed to have so many people who are already so in love with our little girl. I also feel so lucky to have so many sweet friends that I've made through blogging who are genuinely excited for us and check in with us to see how we're doing. Thank you! Thank you! xoxox

Introducing...

Our sweet baby girl... Noelle Mary

Born on October 1st at 3:00pm.

8lbs, 4 oz, 21.5 inches of complete perfection.

We are doing well and trying to soak up every moment with our precious little girl.

Looking back... 41 weeks of bliss!

Being pregnant has definitely been the most amazing thing that I have ever done. Week after week, I am in awe over what my body can do and how it is capable of not only creating life but nourishing it, keeping it safe, and caring for it in a way that I could never understand. We were so blessed that we got to experience all of the joys of pregnancy. I know that not all women have this privilege and that makes it even more special to know that I was chosen to take on this responsibility and that my body was able to handle it. I have also loved documenting everything to always remember how special this time was.


Here's a look back at my pregnancy, over the past 41 weeks.

We found out we were expecting on January 14, 2013. 

Jeff insisted I take multiple tests to be sure.

The very first picture of our little bean.

Seeing the heartbeat flicker at only 7 weeks was absolutely phenomenal.

My first bump picture before there was ever a 'bump'

We entered the second trimester and announced our pregnancy to the world.

Soon enough the belly started growing.

During the second trimester, we found out that we were having a little girl!

We had a fabulous gender reveal party with our close family.

In the third trimester, we also had the most beautiful baby shower.

And the belly kept growing and growing.

I have had an amazing support system from the very first day 

and there are SO many people who are already so in love with our daughter.

The biggest support has been my amazing husband, who will be the best Daddy.

He even shared some of his experience here and here.

Here we are now, 41 weeks pregnant, about to meet our baby, and I am so, so lucky.

What an amazing journey this has been!

A little trip to Labor & Delivery

I don't know how it's already Friday. This has been the slowest week yet somehow it's almost over. This was the first week of my maternity leave and yet, my baby is still comfy as can be in my belly! It was nice relaxing a bit but I'm having a hard time being productive since I'm SO tired! It may have been a slow week but we certainly ended it with some excitement.

Yesterday, we had our biophysical profile to check in on baby. Apparently she decided that she wasn't really feeling it. We were in the ultrasound for a long time and the technician was taking measurements and then poking me, measuring, poking, poking, poking. She said she was looking for specific types of movement and the baby just wasn't having it. After a while, and a few changed positions, she got the doctor to see if he wanted to do a non-stress test or if he wanted me to get up and walk around a bit and try the ultrasound again. Well, after looking at the results, he decided to send me to Labor & Delivery for extended monitoring. Then he proceeded to tell me that if they weren't comfortable with the results, we could be staying to have a baby. Uh, what? Pretty sure Jeff and I both shit a brick. Jeff insisted we bring the hospital bags with us "just in case" but I didn't really think we would need them. The doctor checked my cervix again, still nothing, and sent me on my way. 

In the moment, I was pretty nervous and overwhelmed because it just wasn't the scenario I imagined, so I didn't get any information from our ultrasound, except that one of the four points they check for was off. Jeff is pretty sure it was the breathing. Not what we want to hear. I didn't get any pictures; I didn't even get to see the screen during the ultrasound. As in, not even a single peek. The tech usually goes over it at the end but it ended kind of abrubtly. We didn't find out how much she might weigh or any of the measurements. Jeff watched the whole ultrasound but he said that he had no clue what she was looking at most of the time because the tech was just moving from one part to the next and measuring. Looking back now, I'm kind of disappointed that I didn't even get a glimpse. I am SO anxious to meet her, so a little peek would have been awesome, especially since I was so looking forward to it!

Our doctor told us to head over to the hospital and reminded Jeff that he didn't need to drive 100mph but we were both nervous and I think he was going a little fast as soon as the hospital was in sight. I was actually surprised at how nervous Jeff was since he's normally pretty calm and collected. We parked, checked in, and headed up to Labor & Delivery. Once we were upstairs, the nurse set me up on a monitor and explained everything. She told me that we would be there for a couple of hours and that we were just monitoring for movement for assurance that baby was still doing okay in there. It was nice to hear the baby's heartbeat loud and strong, especially after thinking that something might be wrong. The nurse explained that we want to see two movements in 20 minutes and said that her heartbeat should go up about 15 beats for about 15 seconds when she moves. Well, wouldn't you know it, little miss thing decided that she was going to start moving and not stop. Her heart rate and acceleration was not only right on track but it was even better than what they were looking for. In less than a half hour, the in-house doctor was already happy with what they were seeing but they kept me for another hour or so. Baby kept moving and even bumped the monitor off a few times. So apparently she was just sleeping on the job at her first appointment. I feel like I'm saying this more and more now, but what a DIVA!

My doctor wants to see me back at the hospital on Sunday, when he is working, so that he can do another non-stress test. Then, if baby girl has not made her appearance, I will be induced on Monday afternoon. The light at the end of the tunnel is near. If this baby doesn't come on her own, she will hopefully be here by Tuesday. I say Tuesday since we'll be admitted Monday afternoon and my cervix is still "doing squat" so I imagine the induction will be long and go through to the next day. We are so, so excited! Being at the hospital made me a little sad to have to leave yet nervous that we could be there to have a baby. People were definitely looking at me funny when I was walking out of Labor & Delivery with a big belly. Wrong way, lady!

Thankfully, I got my playful, cool, calm hubby back as soon as baby started moving around. He first commented that Sonic might really be the real labor-inducing meal. Jeff was home early today and we had lunch from Sonic, which was my first time ever eating their food. Of course, when the baby was moving, he declared that it was "Sonic good!" Later, when we got our car back from the valet, Jeff thought it smelled different. He asked if I thought it was sprayed with hospital mist. Haha what?! 

So everything is okay with baby girl and hopefully my doctor will reassure me on Sunday that she isn't huge! We'll see if she decides to make an appearance before Monday but if not, we'll be doing our best to patiently wait for her!

Baby Shower!!

Last weekend we celebrated one of the most anticipated days of our pregnancy. We had our baby shower!! It was on the larger side, as both sides of the family and friends were all included in one party. Our mothers hosted, with help from our sisters and some of my friends. 

I barely had to say anything to my mom and she had the perfect theme planned... BOOKS! On the invitation it was requested that each guest bring a book for the baby instead of a card and it was a big hit! The shower was a mix of pink, books, and simple elegance. It was held at a country club near our house and everything was perfect. 

My one regret from the day was that I didn't try out the omelet station! It can be overwhelming to be the guest of honor and I didn't give the food table a good scan, I just grabbed a plate! haha That's ok. Truly, the shower was amazing and our gracious hosts went above and beyond to make every detail perfect.

My sister took about 300 pictures of the day but I went through and picked out the ones that would tell the story best... 

My niece was SO excited that we arrived!

 

Diaper cake and baby made my my mother-in-law and sister-in-law

Baby girl was spoiled! There were rows of gifts on either side of this table!

    

Adorable centerpieces with baby sock flowers made by my mother-in-law!

Jeff, his mom, and two sisters

Twinnies!

My sister, mom, and niece.. who is obsessed with the belly!

 

Our mamas! I think we picked the sunniest spot to take pictures!

My bff. She even took her shoes off since I had to wear flats.

Donna came over after and helped me organize the entire nursery.

Jeff was the cutest opening all the girly things!!

Her first Red Sox shirt!!

She already has him wrapped around her finger!

My mom made the most gorgeous afghan that will go perfectly with the nursery!

My mom also made an amazing clothesline full of the cutest little outfits.. 

It took three of us to hold it up!!

My favorite detail? The book cake!!!

Some of my favorite books, too! I was so happy with this cake!

Part of the favors... bookmarks made by my sister! LOVE!

Happy, happy parents-to-be!

Jeff and I were so overwhelmed by the generosity of our friends and family. These pictures are a small sliver of all the amazingness that went into that day and we are so, so blessed to have so many amazing people that are already so in love with our baby girl.

Things only a father would say...

Jeff and I were beginning our task of sorting through all of the amazing gifts and baby gear that we have received for our baby girl, to get the nursery prepped for her arrival. We started with the clothes, sorting them all out by size, and I already had everything else sorted into categories.. feeding, bathing, books, bedding, personalized items, hair supplies (she has enough to fill an entire basket!), safety, the list keeps going. Every so often, Jeff would stop and look around the room and just sit in amazement that there will be a little girl sleeping and playing in here very soon. He was making me laugh, nearly making me cry, and making my heart swell bigger than big, with the sweet and funny things he was saying.

These are some things that only a father would say...

While taking a quick break to scan the room in awe: "I just can't believe there's a crib in here, and a dresser, and a mirror!" So I said, "a mirror?" He replied, "Yes. A mirror! Can you believe that?"

Looking through her hair bows: "She better still be a girl when she gets her. I know we saw her parts but I don't know how I'll handle that. I need this girl."

While passing him the newborn clothes: "I can't believe how tiny she will be. These things won't even fit on my hand. OH my goodness! The hanger won't even fit in here!"

While passing him the 24 months clothes: "Um, what just happened? These are so big. Two minutes ago this wouldn't fit my hand, now it might fit part of my leg. My little girl is growing up too fast. Please stop."

While handing him a Christmas shirt: "Ok, can we put this in a special place? This will definitely be her outfit when we're decorating the tree. It's really special, I want to make sure I don't forget it."

While sorting through her sweatpants: "Oh, this is great! These will be her lazy Sunday outfits. Do we have a place for lazy Sunday clothes?"

While handing him some bigger onesies, he looked at them funny. I said, "She'll be in onesies for at least the first year." He responded with, "She'll be in onesies until I tell her she can stop wearing onesies!"


I love, love, love this man with my whole heart and I know how big his love is for our little family. I cannot wait to watch him fall in love with our daughter. She already has him wrapped around her finger! He is going to the best Daddy.

Rocky's first day with us, snuggling with Dad.

{Look how teeny he is!!}

Gender Reveal Party: It's a . . . . .

This Mother's Day was a very memorable one! Jeff and I hosted a gender reveal party for our families and we had the BEST time! Seriously, looking at the pictures and video makes me feel the same way I do when I look at our wedding pictures and video. It was so special to share this time with our families. I had been debating whether or not I wanted to find out the gender of our baby but Jeff really really wanted to know. As he tried to convince me, I slowly changed my mind, if and only if we could have a gender reveal party. I wanted all the hoopla that comes along with waiting to find out the gender and I definitely got it. We kept it to a simple cookout and it was perfect. Here is the recap of our big day...

Snack table with pink & blue punch

Yummy cake that my mom made

My sweet baby!

Mama & Daddy rockin' the pink & blue!

We asked everyone to wear pink or blue depending on their guess at the gender.

Jeff insisted on the mismatch look so that he didn't give it away with his outfit!

My Mama and I loving on Baby P

My sister and niece rocking the "Team Boy" shirts!

I think it's been maybe 10 years since a baby boy in my family.

My siblings and niece

Such a goof!

These two are best buds!

 Brothers & Sisters

LOVE!

My sweet girl!

Funny story.. she was laying the hammock and she said, "I'm so excited for a girl cousin!" So I said, "but you have a Team Boy shirt on!" and she replied, "Ya, well it has these stars on it that are girl colors so I hope it's a girl." 
Haha she kills me!

Big Brother taking a break from all the excitement

 Elizabeth loves taking Rocky for a walk, he was loving all the attention!

Family

It's been a while since our family has seen a baby boy... clearly blue is going strong!

Finally.. the big reveal!

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!

Love the expressions! Everyone was SO surprised!

Someone's excited to have a sister!

The aftermath!

Loving our GIRL!

 

Couldn't miss out on a Bump pic! Neither could Jeff! :)

Tell me that's not the sweetest thing you ever saw!

I am so in love with my BABY GIRL!

We had the best time celebrating and our family is so thrilled to welcome a new baby girl! It was hilarious when immediately after seeing pink everyone wanted to change their shirt and talk about bows and dresses! SO many people thought boy that we talked about whether or not it would be weird if everyone showed up in blue but it just made the reveal that much more special because everyone was so genuinely surprised and excited.

This was such a fun and special day for us and we are SO glad that we did a gender reveal!

I wanted something different that I hadn't seen before for the reveal and I found what I was looking for on Etsy. I ordered the push-pop party poppers from Gender Reveal on Etsy. I would highly recommend it! The only thing is that you need both hands so pictures of the actual reveal are limited. I am so glad we got the video! :)

It was a long day for the Big Brother!