Week 5 - One Month Old and still chunky!

Well, one month has come and gone and I just can't believe it! She's here and perfect and I can't imagine life without her. Her little personality is coming out more and more....unfortunately we're in a phase where we've decided that it should take lots of nursing and hours of rocking to get asleep at night. Not sure how I feel about that right now, but hoping it is short lived :)

Emma's a chunk, that's for sure. Her little rolls are getting rolls and she has absolutely no neck! Unofficially I think she's about 10lbs. So, she's basically gained a pound for every week she's been on the outside! Well, at least my arms are toning up nicely!

Here are some pics! Gotta love her!!

The Pecan Hunt, First Bath and Other Adventures - Week 4

So, a few weeks ago we went on the great Pecan Hunt. Basically we headed to to a local park in Plano where pecans grow wild and you can pick them. So, we loaded up the family and got our hunt on. Emma had her first ride in the carrier, which turned out to be a great little get-up, basically she slept through it all, but she was there. Here are some pics and a couple videos of our grand adventure. We also were able to stop in and see Geoff and Mary Ann, some dear friends we've known forever. They got their first glimpse at Emma and of course documented the occasion with photos as well!

Emma also had her first bath in the bathtub. She's still kinda not real happy about it, she really hates the transition from tub to towel to clothes. Apparently we just don't do it fast enough for her yet. Oh well, you live and learn.

We also had our first 7 hour night of sleep. That was rather pleasant (and somewhat unpleasant - as nursing mom's can identify with) although only one night, but still a step in the right direction.

I'm Raising a Little Piggy...

So, we went to the Pediatrician for Emma's 2 week check-up yesterday, and I've got a little piggy. She now weighs a whopping 8lbs. 4oz. and is 21 1/4 inches long. She has gained 1lb and 11.5oz. and grown 2 inches since birth!! Our pediatrician was stunned at her growth....she's now in the 50% for weight & 75% for height! So much for small birth weight.

Here are some pics of Emma's room and my little chunk!

Week 2

Week 1

We survived!! :)

Thankfully Grandma Lizi (until otherwise named) was able to spend the week with us, which made the transition from hospital to home so smooth!! THANK YOU!!!

We had a rough first night, Emma didn't seem to want to sleep when we wanted to; imagine that! But after that evening we were able to get into a routine where Emma was sleeping from about 12AM to 4AM and then 4:30AM to 9AM. So, we've been super blessed with a little girl who loves her sleep! We'll see how her pattern changes as she grows up.

On day 5 we went to the pediatrician for our first visit. Generally their main concern when looking at a newborn is the weight loss issue as they transition of having a constant flow of nutrients while in the womb to nursing/formula outside. We knew Emma had been nursing really well, but did't realize how well...when they put her on the scale, she weighed 7 pounds 1.5 ounces...gaining 9 ounces since birth!!! Our Dr. was very pleased!

Emma has a great temperament, she likes having her diaper changed and doesn't mind Mom changing her outfits! (Yeah I get to play dress-up the baby doll again) She loves looking at her flash cards, calms her down as she focuses on the details. And she likes reading with Daddy. All in all she is just perfect, can't help staring at her all the time. Although I'm going to have stop that if I want to get anything done!

Here are some pics of our First Week!!

Emma's Here!!!

Emma arrived on Saturday, October 10th at 6:31AM. She weighed 6 pounds 8.5 ounces and was 19.25 inches long.

Due to some last minute high blood pressure readings we opted for an induction to kick-start labor. We went into the hospital Friday (the 9th) evening at 6PM, they got me all hooked up and started the induction at 7PM (generally its a 12hr process). My contractions were pretty steady from about 8PM on although not too intense or close together. Throughout the evening it was pretty clear that I was in labor; by 5AM they checked me and I was dilated 2cm and was 90% effaced. My contractions started kicking in to overdrive and my water broke at 6AM; they checked me again and I was 10cm dilated and 95% effaced. Within the next 15 minutes I was ready to push; one problem though, the doctor wasn't there yet since my jump from 2 to 9 had been so rapid. So, I had to hold on pushing (hardest thing I've ever done) and then the Dr. arrived. I pushed three times and out came my beautiful, healthy baby girl!! So, in about 11 1/2 hours we went from 0-60 and our lives changed forever!

I was able to start nursing directly after birth and she did so well; I had no need to pump and she began feeding at regular intervals. By the time we left the hospital we were already transitioning from colostrum to milk; so that was great. Typically newborns lose up to 10% of their body weight in the week following birth. Emma only lost 2 oz. She's my little piggy!!

Here are some pics of our time in the hospital and meeting the family!!

The Waiting Game...

Well we're in the 40th week and now the waiting game continues. To speed up the process, we did follow in the footsteps of Larry & Lizi and walked the State Fair on Saturday; for 6 hours. :) I think I dropped some, but we'll see. I have a Dr. Appointment on Tuesday, so we'll see if I've made any more progress.

We've pretty much got the room complete (minus a few decorative components and some shelving). Here are a few pics for your viewing pleasure. I've also included pics of the Heritage Quilt that Emma's most of the women in the family contributed to (incredible, thank you so much!!!) and some of Great Aunt Sharon's beautiful craftsmanship with Emma's name embroidered. She is one blessed little baby girl!

37 Weeks!

Well we're at 37 weeks and counting. Basically Emma can arrive at any point in time, so the unknown just adds to the anticipation!

We've completed our Bradley Classes and I am feeling much more confident in my ability to tackle this marathon of bringing a new human into this world. So informative and empowering.

The bags are packed, well mostly. I have a clothing bag for Aaron & myself, a labor bag with all the goodies for working through labor (rice socks, Bradley book, robozo and so on). Also packed Emma's bag (in her new Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack diaper bag - another superb Craigslist find).

We've had a couple showers now, one thrown by Aaron's work where we received a ton of great gifts and one in College Station with dear friends and family. We've got one more this weekend, this is one blessed little girl and she's not even here yet! Here are some pics of the shower in College Station.

Also, Aaron and I took some maternity pictures. I think that a woman's body while pregnant is one of the most beautiful things. It is a beautiful picture of God's awesome creativity and the miracle of crafting new life. Hope you enjoy!

For My Sister...

So, this post is because my wonderful sister Rachel requested an update of information; complete with suggested topics. :) So, here we go....

Topic One: Bradley Classes

For those of you who don't know we are taking the Bradley route in prepartion for Emma's arrival. Aaron and I have really enjoyed the experience so far. You know they say "knowledge is power" and I completely agree; we're learning the in's and out's of the body, the birth process, exploring all avenues and possibilities. Learning how to cope in stressful situations; and being deeply invested in the process required to make Emma's transition into this world as smooth as possible. So, we have 3 classes left and feel pretty solid about our birth plan and with the knowledge we've gained so far.

Topic Two: How I'm Feeling

Well, I feel pregnant! Frankly, I've never felt so much at home and like a stranger in my own body before! I love being pregnant and sustaining another life. I'm definitely finding that my energy is dropping down again; so I'm more conscious of my protein intake, rest and exercise just so I make it through the day without dropping dead at night. :) Some nights I get more rest than others, but at the very least I'm prepped for several interruptions in the middle of the night :)

Topic Three: What I look like

I look like I'm carrying a basketball that weighs as much as a bowling ball. :) Generally I'm not one to flaunt, but everyone's saying "you're all baby" so I guess we'll see how that pans out. Thankfully I haven't had any significant swelling or stretch marks to this point in time; which is really nice. I've posted a few pics of me, so you can see the largeness that is Sarah + Emma!

Topic Four: Emma's Room

We completed the dresser (click for pics) so we have that in the room now. I also hung Emma's clothes in the closet. We put some shelves we had in the closet for some storage and I emptied my hopechest and we have it in there now so we can use that for blankets and more storage; also I'll probably make a cushion to fit on it so it doubles as a bench. So, we're still waiting to get the bed and bedding; changing table and rocker/glider. Still a lot of big pieces missing, but its improved from the empty room it's been over the last month. :)

Topic Five: How's Aaron...

Aaron is doing well. He's working hard at his job and has long days, but still comes home and interacts with me & Emma. He is finishing his final class for his MBA, he has class on Thursday evenings and he'll graduate in December, yeah!! He's been great with all the Bradley classes, embracing his role as a coach and supporting me and Emma through the labor and delivery process. I love him and couldn't ask for a more perfect person to walk this life with!!

Ok, I feel I've filled my requirement for now! Love you Rachel and thank you for giving me direction in what to write! Can't wait to see you, Sherman and June again!!

30 Weeks, Little Emma

Well, I had my 30 week check-up yesterday and we discovered something. My external uterine measurement was coming up short showing 28cm instead of 30cm (generally the measurement of your uterus coincides with the number of weeks you are pregnant). My last few visits I had been measuring 1 week behind, but this one showed 2, so my Dr. ordered an ultrasound to verify that Emma's development was still on track.

Beverly the ultrasound tech did 4 measurements, Emma's head, femur, abdomen and the amniotic fluid. She also looked to see that Emma was "breathing" (she doesn't actually breathe, but her little tummy moves up & down to strengthen her diaphragm for when she's born), her movement (arms and legs punching and kicking) and her heart beat (a steady 150 bpm). Emma's measurements put her at 30 weeks and she scored excellent on the other areas of observation. Emma also opened and closed her eyes and stuck out her tongue and was sucking on her hand! So amazing! She currently weighs about 3.5lbs. The tech's initial assessment was that everything looked good, and that she was just a little on the small side; meaning instead of in the 50% (average) for growth, she is in the 39%, which isn't bad, just means she's small.

I'm now on the 2 week schedule for Dr. visits so we're getting so close. We started our Bradley classes last week and are finally seeing the Finish line! I'm glad we're going into this as informed as possible; and preparing so that Emma has a smooth transition from womb to reality. Still a little while to go, but its flying by so fast!!

Here are some pics of the ultrasound!

Remodeling & Resizing

Emma's room is done! Well, at least the floors, walls and window treatments! Got to give a huge THANK YOU to our families for making pulling this off. Mom, Dad, Steph and Hannah for cleaning and doing hours of yard and prep work and lending supplies and creative sewing skills - Mom, Dad, Rachel & Daniel for putting in the hard labor, painting, taping, pulling carpet, solving intricate math equations to make the flooring cover the space required, hanging curtains and sharing your time with us! We could not have done it without all of you! I love community and family!!

So, we painted the walls in Emma's room getting rid of the rather dark khaki to a much brighter blue & green to coordinate with Emma's bedding. We also pulled up the carpet and installed a beautiful wood laminate floor to give contrast to the furniture (which we still have to get and put in the room) and the rest of the flooring in the house. We found some gorgeous rust/orange fabric to go with the bedding and Mom made some fantastic curtains that just make the room 'pop'!

Pictures of Emma's Room Transformation

26 Weeks! The weeks are flying by! I can't believe how little time we have left! Everything is going well, had my glucose test (testing for gestational diabetes) last week and am awaiting the results, hopefully we'll have a good test result. Emma is moving like crazy! We're to the point now where you can see her move on the outside; rather intriguing. I definitely find myself watching my belly mesmerized. Such an amazing process!!

WE'RE HAVING A GIRL!

So, we had our 2nd sonogram last week and discovered we're having a girl! We're soooo excited! After much speculation as to the sex of our little one prior to the sonogram, we've discovered that as parents you know things about your children that no one else can know, and when in doubt trust the still small voice inside that shares the creative identity of your child ;). Anyway, we're fairly certain her name will be Emma Cadence. So, now for decorating the room, I've got to be very creative 'cause my little girl will see the pattern of her world with the creativity of the Father. I'm feeling good, enjoying the 2nd trimester and all its glory and loving watching my belly expand and grow. Bring on the maternity clothes!! Here is a link to pics of my Growing Belly & Baby Emma if you'd like to see our progress as well as a link to my sis' GROWING belly as well Rachel's Bump. I'll try to continue to post pics of my growing belly as the weeks go by. Stay tuned!

13 Weeks and Counting

Crazy how time flies, had my 13 week check-up yesterday and everything is great.  I also heard the heart beat for the first time, little thing pounding 160 bpm.  All I could do was smile! I'm also feeling little "flutters" which is the baby moving around.  It's so exciting and amazing to actually be able to track the life and development of a new human forming.  I can't wait to see what the next phase holds, end of the first trimester almost gone, second here I come!

Murmurs & Echos

I've had a heart murmur since birth, it only came up in my child hood when I started running track and Dr.'s wanted to verify that everything was alright. Upon telling my Dr. about it, she wanted me to get an echo-cardiogram (sonogram of the heart) to make sure my heart would hold the pressure of pregnancy and child birth.  So last week, I went in and had an echo done, preliminary reports are that my heart is healthy and the murmur is not significant enough to cause any problems.  So, God is faithful again in giving us sight and wisdom and having His hand direct our lives!

First Glimpse

Hello All,

We wanted to let everyone know that David (Aaron) and I are expecting our first baby!!! Attached is the first ultrasound of our little bean. The baby (1/4 of an inch long) is doing great with a whopping 147bpm heart rate.  I'm due October 10th and we're just super excited.  We also wanted to give a big thanks for all of you who prayed and walked this journey with us.  We're so thankful for the world we live in that surrounds us with community and fortifies us with accurate sight and the knowledge of truth.  All of your support, prayers and encouragement has meant the world to us, and we're so excited to bring new life into such an incredible group of family and friends. More Updates to come!

Hello World

This is my first posting although I started this blog over 2 years ago.  Go figure.  So, here we go.  As most of my friends and family know I have some photos for sale on a website called www.boundlessgallery.com.  I just found out that tomorrow, January 22, I will be a featured artist on the home page of the website!  I know I send emails for new inventory and so on, but I thought I'd send a refresher to everyone so you can see/purchase my work and pass it along to any friends/family that you think might be interested.  I hope this posting finds you well and pursuing life to the fullest. 

Here's the link directly to my website as well: www.sarahbrown.boundlessgallery.com