Newborn Pictures

http://www.melaniejohnsonphotography.com/kennedygrace/

One month ago my life changed forever

I went in for my 36 week appointment Friday, the 23rd of July, for my first weekly exam. I was dilated to a 1 and she was still pretty high up. Doctor Speight told me it would be awhile before she made her entrance into the world...then she checked her heartbeat. Her heart rate was in the 200 range and she sent me over for a non-stress test and a sonogram. By then she was in the 240 range and they admitted me for some observation (she had SVT). Long story short, her heart rate kept going from the normal 150 range to in the 200s. They moved me down to labor and delivery for closer observation. With little improvement by 9:15 we decided that a c-section would be best. ( I really didn't want a c-section, it was my biggest fear throughout my pregnancy.)

(Right after I was admitted)

(The last picture of just the two of us)

The surgery went as good as expected. Normal c-section, they did mess up on the epidural so they had to do it twice; not fun! I'll never forget the conversations going on in the background and the feeling of them getting her out. As soon as she was out we heard loud cries from my beautiful baby girl with her full head of dark hair.

(Kennedy's first photo)

She was taken to the NICU and I didn't get to hold her for about 12 hours. She was born at 10:08pm, 6lbs 3 ozs. I got to see her around 2:30 in the am and then they wheeled me up to my room. I didn't sleep a second- who could? Her heart was great, but had some trouble breathing due to being a tad bit early. They kept her for the first 4 days just to make sure everything was okay. We went home after 5 days and we are starting to adjust to a newborn. I held it together very well in the hospital- very proud of myself.

Everything happened so fast, my doctor was awesome she took such good care of us. The crazy thing is her heart rate would only do this for about 3 mins at a time at first. I got stuck behind a wreck on the way to my appointment. What if I would have been on time??? Would she have found the problem???

Everything happens for a reason...

Changes in Kennedy's Sleep Cycle

I should have known that I would jinx myself as soon as I posted something about getting so much sleep! I am paying for it now. It seems she was moving around all night and dancing on my bladder. I'm so tired today.

On a brighter note, three friends had babies this weekend. All healthy and all beautiful.

We're next!!!

Maternity Slideshow

http://www.melaniejohnsonphotography.com/kirby/

I love it. I plan on downloading and burning it to a CD so we can put in her memory box. Melanie did a fab job.

Turning 26

I turned the big 26 yesterday. 7/11 free Slurpees for everyone on my birthday. Nice little gift to the world.

I had a great weekend. Baby shower was perfect (will post about that when I have some photos). Great gift from the husband and my dad and sister took me to dinner. I also got an assortment of gift cards: Express, Massage Envy, Hooters, Bath and Body Works and Visa. Plan on a small shopping spree when I lose the baby weight!

I spent most of the day washing Kennedy's new goodies. Clothes, blankets, sheets, burp clothes, etc. Strange feeling, I now have to wash my kids laundry!!! I am turning into a mommy. I can't wait to watch all her milestones from this first year until she has her first little monkey. What a great honor. Life changes so fast and I believe in a few weeks I am going to wish I had a pause button.

Yummy dinner and horrible shopping!

I had a great night last night...for one no studying! :) The other thing that made it so great was the food....

I went to Grimaldi's Pizza at Watters Creek and split a yummy pizza with Erin and Eme. Funny how one meal and make your whole day. To top it off I had some yummy Paciugo, and this might seem like a strange pregnant flavor but it was the best. Sea Salt and Caramel - wow I couldn't get enough. Best meal of the week- food is really important when you are pregnant. ;)

We also ran around trying to find something to wear to my baby shower this weekend. No luck- I hate shopping. I can't wait to be back into normal clothes that don't look like PJ's. One plus about shopping was that Sephoria gave me a pre-bday gift - gotta love freebies. Free eyeliner, eyeshawdow and mascara.

Overall great night- but most importantly great FOOD.

Big Exam

I passed....

I am thrilled with excitement. The Texes 161 exam (k-12 special ed). I have been studying for the last few months and it all paid off. Passed, can apply for new jobs and I can focus on Baby K from here on out!

I am on cloud 9.

4th of July

I love July. The 4th, fireworks, my birthday, the Texas heat, watermelon, BBQs and concerts! I am really looking forward to next years 4th. I will have an 11 month old baby girl- she might even by walking or saying Dada. So many things to look forward to with this new chapter opening up right before my eyes.

I hope to relax some this holiday and maybe sleep in until noon one day! :) I do have my special ed exam tomorrow and I hope/think I will do well or at least pass. Fingers crossed.

Pregnancy Sleep!

I love sleep! I can sleep hours upon hours, my husband and I are both big sleepers. If we never had to hear the sound of an alarm clock that would be our haven (our safe place). That said, I have always been an extremely light sleeper. I am the first to wake up when the dogs start moving around, someone opens the bedroom door and my eyes open wide. I can't ignore the urge to get up and go to the bathroom- until now!

Strange I know. Most people tell me how they can't sleep their whole last trimester. Can't get comfortable, weird dreams, having to pee every hour. Not me!!!!! This is the best and deepest sleep I have ever been in. Almost like a pass out drunk sleep. I couldn't be happier; I also hope I didn't just ruin this perfect sleep by jinxing myself. (Knocking on wood) I hope this continues until the day she arrives. Thank you sleep gods for this little blessing... :)

The fun journey of childbirth classes!

I am usually the person that has to know all the ends and outs about everything. And I have been taking the slacker road to childbirth. All my friends are taking CPR classes, breasting feeding classes, car seat classes, Lamaze- you name it they have a class on it.

Not me, I took the short cliff notes version called Prepared Childbirth. No six week class for us! One day six hours long - finished. Checked off the list.

I learned a ton and they gave us helpful hints. Our instructor touched base on tons of things I had never even thought about. Very pleased we did it, but I don't have time or energy for anything else- even though I know those other classes are very important. Just thinking about them gives me a headache.

I think the most beneficial part of the day was going up to a labor and delivery room. To see it and experience it in a happy non-scary way. I know the hospital will take great care of the little one; I just have to get her out safe and sound. Seven more weeks and we get to meet Miss Kennedy.

Also having a paint roller rolled across your back rocks....

The Growing Wish List

Nick and I have so many things we want now and all before baby and big career changes! That is just us. At least we both want more and the very best for our little family. The list consists of things like a fence, updating our shower with tile, pillows for our chair, and last but not least a fabulous home away from home....a timeshare!

I have never really wanted a timeshare before. I always thought they were a scam or a waste of money...times have change! We both want one. We love our vacations and timeshares offer so many options for changing locations and offering floating weeks, etc.

I have really been researching. It isn't a purchase we will make soon since the baby is on her way out the door, but maybe in the 6-18 months.

Now the fun part...picking a place.

New blog, New Start

Here it is!

I am loving the new design. I started blogging and could never make a habit out of it and I think it was because my layout was so awful. Hopefully my new pretty design will keep me going this time, one can hope!

It has now become a goal of mine to update this as much as possible. I want to document my growth and the little one's growth, and just track the path that we may find ourselves on. It will surely be an adventure.

I owe the design work to a wonderful blog designer, Fancy Pants Designs. Katie did a great job and she worked super fast.

What do you think?