Chance
Our Little Family
Grandma Walser
Miss Penelope
Ladawn
Grandpa Farley
Grandma Farley
The Cutest Gal Around, My Little Penny
My brother Clayton
Monday, May 30, 2011
Family with Penny
My sister Rachel
Chance
Our Little Family
Grandma Walser
Miss Penelope
Ladawn
Grandpa Farley
Grandma Farley
The Cutest Gal Around, My Little Penny
My brother Clayton
Chance
Our Little Family
Grandma Walser
Miss Penelope
Ladawn
Grandpa Farley
Grandma Farley
The Cutest Gal Around, My Little Penny
My brother Clayton
More Pics of Penelope in the Hospital
In the Special Care Nursery...
Grandpa Holds Her for the First Time
Grandpa Holds Her for the First Time
Sunday, May 29, 2011
She's Here!!!
Introducing Penelope Jane Walser. Born 5/26/11 at 8:56am. 9lb 3oz and 22 in long.
My c-section on Thursday went well. Chance stayed by me the whole time and kept me calm. He was even brave towards the end and took a peek over the blue curtain to see the surgery. I however, wanted no part of hearing, let alone seeing what was happening.
Penelope came out and soon let out a reassuring cry. On her way out however, she took a big gulp of fluid. So as I was still on the table watching her get all checked out, the doctors spend a lot of the time suctioning fluid out of her. I couldn't believe all of the stuff that they got out of her. Her heart rate was also a little fast, and her breathing wasn't normal. So they took her to the Special Care Nursery for observation.
After my surgery was done I was taken back into my room for recovery, but was really bummed that I hadn't yet been able to hold her. They ended up keeping Penelope in the nursery for a couple days to monitor her heart rate and breathing. The first and second day you could hear her breathing...which isn't normal, kind of like snoring while awake. Her oxygen levels we low and so she had to get oxygen through a breathing tube. They also started her on antibiotics through an iv and that is how they had to feed her too. They couldn't let me try and start breastfeeding until she could better control her breathing. Chance was able to go to the nursery and visit her, and my family was able to see her through the window.
On Friday morning I was able to go to the nursery and see her, but still couldn't hold her. Then Friday night I was finally allowed to hold her. It was amazing and I was in awe that this was really my baby! She's just beautiful. Her breathing was under control and so I was allowed to start breastfeeding her.
Saturday was big day. Chance's parents and sister arrived from Columbus. I was able to continue to breastfeed her. She improved every time I saw her. Saturday around 3:30pm my baby girl was finally able released from the Special Care Nursery and able to come to my room. Everyone was able to hold her...after much anticipation!
That night Chance and I had her to ourselves for the first time! It was exciting and scary (even though help was only a nurse-button-push away). We were grateful for the experience to have our first night with her while still at the hospital. It was a long night and only gave us a glimpse of what we are in for for the next few months. Several times we looked at each other, totally clueless, amazed that we are PARENTS! We felt, and still feel, totally overwhelmed, under-qualified, and humbled, to have Miss Penelope Jane in our care. We love her so much already and are so excited for everything that is to come.
Today, Sunday, both Penelope and I got cleared to go home. Chance's sister Kim and her family came and saw us at the hospital before we left. Then off we went. We are still getting settled into live at home, but we are all doing great and loving our little PJ!
My c-section on Thursday went well. Chance stayed by me the whole time and kept me calm. He was even brave towards the end and took a peek over the blue curtain to see the surgery. I however, wanted no part of hearing, let alone seeing what was happening.
Penelope came out and soon let out a reassuring cry. On her way out however, she took a big gulp of fluid. So as I was still on the table watching her get all checked out, the doctors spend a lot of the time suctioning fluid out of her. I couldn't believe all of the stuff that they got out of her. Her heart rate was also a little fast, and her breathing wasn't normal. So they took her to the Special Care Nursery for observation.
After my surgery was done I was taken back into my room for recovery, but was really bummed that I hadn't yet been able to hold her. They ended up keeping Penelope in the nursery for a couple days to monitor her heart rate and breathing. The first and second day you could hear her breathing...which isn't normal, kind of like snoring while awake. Her oxygen levels we low and so she had to get oxygen through a breathing tube. They also started her on antibiotics through an iv and that is how they had to feed her too. They couldn't let me try and start breastfeeding until she could better control her breathing. Chance was able to go to the nursery and visit her, and my family was able to see her through the window.
On Friday morning I was able to go to the nursery and see her, but still couldn't hold her. Then Friday night I was finally allowed to hold her. It was amazing and I was in awe that this was really my baby! She's just beautiful. Her breathing was under control and so I was allowed to start breastfeeding her.
Saturday was big day. Chance's parents and sister arrived from Columbus. I was able to continue to breastfeed her. She improved every time I saw her. Saturday around 3:30pm my baby girl was finally able released from the Special Care Nursery and able to come to my room. Everyone was able to hold her...after much anticipation!
That night Chance and I had her to ourselves for the first time! It was exciting and scary (even though help was only a nurse-button-push away). We were grateful for the experience to have our first night with her while still at the hospital. It was a long night and only gave us a glimpse of what we are in for for the next few months. Several times we looked at each other, totally clueless, amazed that we are PARENTS! We felt, and still feel, totally overwhelmed, under-qualified, and humbled, to have Miss Penelope Jane in our care. We love her so much already and are so excited for everything that is to come.
Today, Sunday, both Penelope and I got cleared to go home. Chance's sister Kim and her family came and saw us at the hospital before we left. Then off we went. We are still getting settled into live at home, but we are all doing great and loving our little PJ!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
News!
We have news! I am now scheduled for a c-section tomorrow (Thursday 5/26) at 5am! WooHoo! This baby is coming tomorrow! I have to be at the hospital at 5am and they'll do the surgery around 8am. I've had a wonderful Certified Nurse Midwife instead of an OBGYN during my pregnancy (well, since moving to Indy in January) but in the last few weeks, I've also been meeting with an OB since a csection has looked likely for me. So i feel really comfortable having both my midwife and my dr there with me for the surgery.
It still hasn't really set in yet that this time tomorrow i'll have a real live baby, and if i think about it too much i get too nervous. So I just keep working and getting everything ready around the house. I know I won't be able to sleep tonight because i'll be worried about over sleeping and missing my baby's birth!
Our closing date for the house officially got pushed back to June 2nd, but hey, at least one thing is happening soon.
It still hasn't really set in yet that this time tomorrow i'll have a real live baby, and if i think about it too much i get too nervous. So I just keep working and getting everything ready around the house. I know I won't be able to sleep tonight because i'll be worried about over sleeping and missing my baby's birth!
Our closing date for the house officially got pushed back to June 2nd, but hey, at least one thing is happening soon.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
No News, No Baby
So after two days post due date, still no baby. Yesterday (Monday) I had a doctors appt and was hoping for good news, that my body was well on its way to a speedy delivery. But alas, I'm not dialated, my cervix has barely started to thin, the doctor said my hips aren't very wide, and the latest ultrasound measures my baby at over 9lbs. Not exactly the model of birthing I'd hoped to be.
So after discussing the possibilities, we decided we'd go ahead and schedule a csection. They first thought that I'd be able to schedule it for Monday or Tuesday evening, but after seeing in the ultrasound that me and baby are both perfectly healthy, we got pushed back to later this week. We still don't have a definite date and time. So I'm back to waiting. I don't think I'm going to go into labor myself, so we are just waiting to hear when we'll be scheduled.
So here is a pic of us Sunday on my due date, 9-pounder in tow.
Back to waiting...trying to be patient! But i'm ready for her to come!
On the housing front, we were suppose to close on Friday...but now that may be getting pushed back too. BOOOOO!!! I'm sick of waiting on everything!
So after discussing the possibilities, we decided we'd go ahead and schedule a csection. They first thought that I'd be able to schedule it for Monday or Tuesday evening, but after seeing in the ultrasound that me and baby are both perfectly healthy, we got pushed back to later this week. We still don't have a definite date and time. So I'm back to waiting. I don't think I'm going to go into labor myself, so we are just waiting to hear when we'll be scheduled.
So here is a pic of us Sunday on my due date, 9-pounder in tow.
Back to waiting...trying to be patient! But i'm ready for her to come!
On the housing front, we were suppose to close on Friday...but now that may be getting pushed back too. BOOOOO!!! I'm sick of waiting on everything!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Baby Projects
Here are some plain white onsies that i jazzed up with scraps of fabric I had: 
I've heard that old-school cloth diapers are the best thing to use as burp clothes, but they are not very cute. So i decorated some.
I've heard that old-school cloth diapers are the best thing to use as burp clothes, but they are not very cute. So i decorated some.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Thoughts on Parenthood
When I think about the inevitability of very soon becoming a mom, I am quite excited, but mostly terrified. I want my kid to be the smartest, the fastest, the cutest, the coolest, and the overall best kid ever. Then the other side of me just wants this kid to survive.
I worry about being a good mom. But the more i learn and get "prepared" the better i feel. But I always feel better about myself and my current life situation after watching an episode of the wonderful MTV series, "16 & Pregnant." This has been my show of choice to watch to learn all about having babies! Forget those sappy baby shows on TLC. The "16 & Pregnant" moms are much more entertaining.
At least I have already graduated high school and been to the prom.
At least my "baby's daddy" has a job, which as a bonus pays more than minimum wage. At least I'm not bringing my baby into a world of domestic violence.
At least I have a driver's license and own a car.
Although I do share some similarities with these young moms: I got pregnant and then moved into my mom's house with my baby's daddy, my cat, and my dog. And we are saving up to get our own place. Meanwhile I'm living in my old bedroom, and spoiled because my mom makes dinner every night. So maybe we aren't that different!
This pic is from one of my favorite parenting moments from the show, when teen mom, Kayla, decides that she wants her newborn baby to share her love for horses...so she put her baby on a horse! While watching this episode, i said out loud, "where are the responsible adults to stop her from doing this?!" This baby cant even support his own head, and your are mounting up?! AHH! So at least my baby is better off than that. Maybe my little girl will be alright after all.
I worry about being a good mom. But the more i learn and get "prepared" the better i feel. But I always feel better about myself and my current life situation after watching an episode of the wonderful MTV series, "16 & Pregnant." This has been my show of choice to watch to learn all about having babies! Forget those sappy baby shows on TLC. The "16 & Pregnant" moms are much more entertaining.
At least I have already graduated high school and been to the prom.
At least my "baby's daddy" has a job, which as a bonus pays more than minimum wage. At least I'm not bringing my baby into a world of domestic violence.
At least I have a driver's license and own a car.
Although I do share some similarities with these young moms: I got pregnant and then moved into my mom's house with my baby's daddy, my cat, and my dog. And we are saving up to get our own place. Meanwhile I'm living in my old bedroom, and spoiled because my mom makes dinner every night. So maybe we aren't that different!
This pic is from one of my favorite parenting moments from the show, when teen mom, Kayla, decides that she wants her newborn baby to share her love for horses...so she put her baby on a horse! While watching this episode, i said out loud, "where are the responsible adults to stop her from doing this?!" This baby cant even support his own head, and your are mounting up?! AHH! So at least my baby is better off than that. Maybe my little girl will be alright after all.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
New House
Here is what our new house looks like.
It needs a little work, but we'll have it lookin' good in no time! It is definitely something we'll grow into. It is 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, a loft, LR, DR, family room, and and office. We really like that it backs up to an elementary school, so there is a huge field instead of neighbors in our backyard. It is like having a huge yard, b-ball court, and a playground in our backyard, but we don't have to take care of it!
I like this open area in the kitchen. it overlooks the family room, and the ceiling goes all the way up to the second story, so the loft overlooks the kitchen.
This is our awesome huge master bedroom.
And my favorite part! I wish i could use it now!
It needs a little work, but we'll have it lookin' good in no time! It is definitely something we'll grow into. It is 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, a loft, LR, DR, family room, and and office. We really like that it backs up to an elementary school, so there is a huge field instead of neighbors in our backyard. It is like having a huge yard, b-ball court, and a playground in our backyard, but we don't have to take care of it!
I like this open area in the kitchen. it overlooks the family room, and the ceiling goes all the way up to the second story, so the loft overlooks the kitchen.
This is our awesome huge master bedroom.
And my favorite part! I wish i could use it now!
The Final Countdown
It's the final countdown (insert dramatic music here). With only 10 days left until my due date, here are the facts:
1. My baby is huge. 2 weeks ago she was measuring at 8lb 2oz.
2. My body is not ready. I am not dialated at all.
3. The temperature is quickly rising. And my feet, legs, and hands look like nude-colored marshmallows.
4. My baby is running out of space. She often finds herself comfortably atop some area that decreases the bloodflow to my arms. I am tingly all the time. (not in a good way)
5. My skin is stretched to capacity. The lower part of my belly looks like I have a flame tattoo, and it itches like crazy! (I'm sure everyone appriciates the visual.)
6. I snore like crazy. Chance cant wait (almost as much as me) for me to be normal again!
7. It is a race to see which will come first: the baby or our new house. Neither one seem anxious to come.
8. Chance and I are both totally excited and slightly terrified to be parents. It still doesn't seem real that we will soon have a baby of our own.
9. We are pro's at the hospital by now. 1st visit: Last month i was in a minor car accident. The car got beat up, but me and baby were fine. We went to the hospital to get checked out though. 2nd visit: part of the tour during our childbirth class. 3rd visit: a couple weeks ago i had a middle of the night scare. i thought something was wrong because she wasn't moving like usual. After waiting to feel her for a couple hours, i went in...all was fine. 4th visit: Yesterday after my usual weekly dr checkup, my dr was having trouble finding the heartbeat, and it was faint when she did find it. she had me go to the hospital for a bio-physical test on the baby (checks baby movement, reflexes, heartbeat, amniotic fluid, etc...) to see if she is in distress. She was fine, perfectly comfortable and cozy, just chillin. 5th visit: Hopefully it will be for the really thing...D-Day!
10. I love this baby so much and cant wait to meet her!
1. My baby is huge. 2 weeks ago she was measuring at 8lb 2oz.
2. My body is not ready. I am not dialated at all.
3. The temperature is quickly rising. And my feet, legs, and hands look like nude-colored marshmallows.
4. My baby is running out of space. She often finds herself comfortably atop some area that decreases the bloodflow to my arms. I am tingly all the time. (not in a good way)
5. My skin is stretched to capacity. The lower part of my belly looks like I have a flame tattoo, and it itches like crazy! (I'm sure everyone appriciates the visual.)
6. I snore like crazy. Chance cant wait (almost as much as me) for me to be normal again!
7. It is a race to see which will come first: the baby or our new house. Neither one seem anxious to come.
8. Chance and I are both totally excited and slightly terrified to be parents. It still doesn't seem real that we will soon have a baby of our own.
9. We are pro's at the hospital by now. 1st visit: Last month i was in a minor car accident. The car got beat up, but me and baby were fine. We went to the hospital to get checked out though. 2nd visit: part of the tour during our childbirth class. 3rd visit: a couple weeks ago i had a middle of the night scare. i thought something was wrong because she wasn't moving like usual. After waiting to feel her for a couple hours, i went in...all was fine. 4th visit: Yesterday after my usual weekly dr checkup, my dr was having trouble finding the heartbeat, and it was faint when she did find it. she had me go to the hospital for a bio-physical test on the baby (checks baby movement, reflexes, heartbeat, amniotic fluid, etc...) to see if she is in distress. She was fine, perfectly comfortable and cozy, just chillin. 5th visit: Hopefully it will be for the really thing...D-Day!
10. I love this baby so much and cant wait to meet her!
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