9 months (out) of loving you!!

**This was meant to be posted on 3/10/16**

Olivia Nicole,

My love has grown for you so much since you're arrival 9 months ago on June 9, 2016! Can't believe that it's already been 9 fast months!!! You light up our home with your giggles everyday, and are your big sisters favorite person, and vice versa! You two truly have a connection that's indescribable! 

You've changed so much since you were first placed in my arms as a helpless little baby. Here are all your current updates:

-you've begun crawling about 2 weeks ago, and you won't stop moving now when you see something you want

-you sit up for extended amounts of time without any support

-you're cutting your first tooth

-you still take 2 solid naps a day and sleep through the night 

-you say "mama" "dada" "baba" and "nana"

-you love making silly noises with your hands on your mouth

-you wave to people

-you LOVE to eat solids: sweet potatoes, applesauce, peas, corn, carrots, bananas, mango are your current favorites

-you reach for people who you want to pick you up, which is so sweet when you reach for me 

-you still love nursing!!!

I love watching you grow my sweet girl! You truly are such a blessing in my life! Can't wait to keep watching all the sweet changes that you make in the upcoming months and years!! 

Love you baby girl,

Mama 

7 months of lovin'

Olivia Nicole, 

What can I say to wrap up the last 7 months of being your mama? One word. Amazing! It's been amazing being your mom!!

You've brought so much joy to our home everyday with your sweet giggles, happy smiles, and belly full of laughter. You have enriched my life as a mom even farther than I thought it could go. I never knew I had more room in my heart to love another child like I loved your big sis, and then you came along! You changed my world yet again! First marrying your daddy, then having Leeana, and then you! 3 times my world has flipped upside down, changed tremendously, and given me the greatest moments possible! 

I remember the day that you were born quite often. What a whirlwind of emotions I went through, your daddy went through, and the rest of the family, as we waited for you! It was a chaotic day that I figured would go smoothly, despite the incredible pain, and yet almost losing you seems like such a faint memory, but so vivid in my mind. So thankful that God saw fit to spare both of our lives, so I could continue being a mom and wife, and the world could be blessed with your sweet self! 

Thank you for making me smile everyday and even when I don't want to wake up in the middle of the night (thankfully it's now VERY rare), your sweet cuddles make it worth it! You truly are such an amazing child that I couldn't imagine not having the joy of raising!!!

I love you Olivia Nicole!

Let's review how you've grown these last 7 months:

-you laugh and giggle all the time

-you look when we say your name

-you babble and do lots of baby talk (bababa is the gist of what you've said)

-you've very observant (like your daddy), and then get comfy and love to chat (like your mama)

-you've officially moved to your crib in your room with your big sis at night (6 months)

-you sleep through the night again, which I've missed since you were 4 months old! 

-You're finally napping again during the day, thanks to some lavender oil, though not consistent lengths of naps, they're still happening!!

-you're sitting up now for a good minute, until you see something of interest, then you reach for it, and it's all over from there

-You've officially only been nursed up until Christmas Day when Grammy decided to give you some cheesecake. You began solids 12/27/16 and first had sweet potatoes and love them! 

-you love to hold a bottle when you get one

-you grab anything you can get your little fingers on, and boy do you have a grip!!!

-you're a sweet baby, and so many compliment you on your calm, quiet, and sweet behavior 

-ripping your socks off and pulling hair on others are two of your favorite things

-you're finally getting on your hands and knees, and have begun to rock a bit.... I think by 8 months you'll be crawling!!

-you have begun to put your arms up when people reach out to hold you

-we took your first little trip away from home, and you had your first night stay in Ohio at Uncle Jon & Aunt April's house in Ohio in November 2016

-you celebrated your first Thanksgiving, Christmas, Daddy's birthday, and New Years!

-we took our first day trip to meet with the Scheunegrab family in January 2017 in VA for the day

Snuggles on Grammy

Meeting with Ms Hannah

4 months old 

5 months old

6 months old

7 months of pure fun

Christmas pic by Grammy

Snuggled with big sis in the stroller

Prepared to eat

Celebrating Daddy's 29th Birthday

Hanging with the Gulliford's/Arpasi's 

Pics with big sis & Auntie Lauren while she was home for Christmas

Meeting your little cousin Alexis for the first time

Christmas outfit from Grammy

Haha! You weren't really like Uncle Jon during the weekend in Ohio

I love watching you grow! Can't wait for what's in store next! Love you sweet girl!

Love, mama

3 months of fun!

Olivia Nicole, you're 3 months old!!! Where has time gone to? I can't believe how fast it's gone by and how big you've gotten. You're such a sweet, happy, smiley, and quiet baby! You love your big sister and smile all the time, even when she isn't as gentle with you, you smile and always enjoy her! It's sweet watching you two grow together!! Let's review the fun milestones you've reached so far:

-you've finally found your hands and enjoy them a lot

-you've finally rolled from your side to your stomach 

-you love a good bottle and definitely enjoy your pacifier

-you coo and try to talk when I talk to you!

-you sleep through the night, a full 12 hours straight!

I just love being your mama! You're a complete mamas girl, and boy I'm all about you little one!! I never thought I could love another child as much as I love your older sister, and then you arrived and proved I could! We have an unbreakable bond, so connected that I haven't even put you in your crib at night yet. I think because of your crazy delivery, I just don't want you to be far from me just yet. Having you next to me at night is a sweet comfort! I love you so much babygirl, and love watching you grow and playing with you daily! You've been a true blessing!!! I love you Olivia Nicole!

Love,

Mama

1 month 

2 months

3 months 

Thankful

I feel beyond blessed with what the Lord has given me! A wonderful husband who works hard to provide for me and the girls! He's an incredible father and not afraid to jump in and change a dirty diaper or help put Leeana to bed. I'm thankful for the home we live in, that we have more than the "average" person, and I'm beyond thankful for the little things we take for granted like water, AC, a bed, clothes, food, etc. I'm thankful for family who steps in to help when you can't do it all yourself. My mama has been my rock this last month since having Olivia. She's driven so many hours to come to our house, watch the kids, help clean our home, prepare meals, as allowing me to rest as I've recovered! I'm thankful for my church family whose given us many meals as we've transitioned into a family of 4, and I've been recovering. Ready made dinners has been a huge blessing beyond belief! I'm thankful to be a mom to two beautiful girls! Leeana has transitioned into a big sister so smoothly! She's such an incredible helper and doing so well in not taking things out on the baby, or being jealous as I hear happens a lot. Olivia has been amazing and has been the easiest addition! She's so content. She loves to eat, but prefers to sleep! Quite a blessing to have a good sleeping baby at just a month old. It's been quite an easy adjustment which I'm so thankful for because it's helped me to recover quickly from my c-section. Last, but not least, I'm thankful for my salvation! What a blessing it is to be in Christ Jesus and to have comfort in my eternal salvation! Knowing that I'm a wretch sinner, and that God chose me before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4) is such a huge blessing because I don't deserve it! What a gift it is! 

Take a look today at things around you and remember what things you're thankful for. We all have so much to be thankful for, and many times forget to acknowledge it. Take a moment today to acknowledge what you're thankful for! 

A family walk

Olivia is 1 month!!

My Girls!

Grammy loves her newest grand baby!

You were worth the wait

Olivia Nicole, 

You were worth waiting for as your daddy and I struggled for a year to conceive you! You were worth waiting to behold that very first moment I laid eyes on you and kissed you! To your 10 toes and your 10 fingers forming, it was worth the wait. For your little body to form, it was worth the wait. I would go through waiting all over again to feel the joy of meeting you for the first time!! 

So here's how the day played out when the wait was FINALLY over!!!

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Texts to daddy:

Me/8:11am-"Just had a contraction. Maybe 30 seconds."

Dad-"nice!"

Me-"Felt like some cramping/stomach pain and then slowly went away"

Dad/8:12am-"Cool!"

Dad- "Did you practice the relaxation techniques?"

Me- "Didn't need to this time. It was an easy one. Just looked at the time (8:10) and breathed through it"

Me/8:31am- "8:29-another contraction "

Dad/8:32am-"Uh oh!"

Me-"Nothing to worry about. They may not be consistent."

Dad/8:34am-"But what if they are? I should've taken the metro"

Me/8:35am-"Well I'll let you know when they happen so we can keep track. As of now it could begin, but doesn't mean she's coming immediately. Just tracking. And 19 mins apart for 2 of them is kinda spaced out. It's ok. We will figure it out if she decides to come today."

Me/8:43am-"8:40-contraction. They're not bad, but definitely noticeable for sure. Like stomach tightening and feels like it first did with Leeana. I'm laying down so I'm not encouraging anything to happen at least"

Dad/8:43am- "Yeah. Please wait"

Me/8:45am- "That's fine. We will figure it out if things begin. I'm going to keep laying down and relaxing for now and go about my day as normal and just keep track of what's going on"

Me/8:57am-"8:55-60 seconds"

Dad/9:07am- "Wow"

Me-"I'm ok. Just keeping track. I'll keep you updated."

Me/9:11am- "9:08 {contraction}. Okay, my water broke"

Dad-"Whaaaaaa"

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And moments later daddy was headed home to come and see you! He got to the door and said "We're having a baby!"

Daddy ran upstairs and began getting his bag ready to go, as Leeana and I finished grabbing last minute things. Within 20 minutes we were packing up the van and then sat and prayed in the van one last time as a family of 3, praying for your safe delivery. Then we were on our way! 

We arrived at the hospital and Grammy was in the parking lot waiting! She helped us get inside as we got checked in and waited about 30 minutes to get to Triage. Once there, they confirmed my water did break and our labor and delivery room was ready! They gave us a huge room with a Window view and we loved it! At this point my contractions were anywhere from 6-10 minutes apart and I handled them like a pro! Breathed easily and relaxed myself, once done, I was back to talking and joking. 

Soon after your daddy and I were able to start walking the halls and get things moving even more! Contractions were between 2-4 minutes apart. I was getting excited to know that meant you were getting closer to your arrival! The day was officially here, and the feeling was indescribable to know you were coming! Soon after your granddaddy showed up with food for daddy & Grammy, and that's when things got more challenging. The contractions were back to back! {6:30pm}

Your Aunt Lauren was racing the clock to make it there before you were born!! She arrived around 7pm, and by then, your pleasant mommy was gone. Contractions were tough, but I was determined to keep going! I wanted to push, but I was only 4 centimeters! I felt discouraged because things weren't farther along. Finally Aunt Lauren had arrived!!! 

It seems as though your desire to arrive has set off my high blood pressure/hypertension during labor. The midwife kept encouraging me as I went through contractions, and they tried to control my blood pressure. The next two hours were constant contractions! It felt like I would never make it through this intensity, but one contraction at a time and I was one step closer to seeing you. Thankfully your daddy & Aunt Lauren jumped in to help massage me all over as I faced each contraction. They were tough, but they helped me to make it much more bearable. I kept thinking "why did I choose to go naturally? My body can't possibly do this! I want to push her out NOW!" And yet I knew I chose it because it was the best option for you and me! It was something that was so challenging, but felt like the greatest accomplishment of my life!! They kept trying to control my blood pressure with medicine, and yet one contraction I was fine, and the next it was high again. This was definitely not good for you at all, but they kept a close watch the whole time. 

Around 9:20pm they finally checked to see how dilated I was since I kept complaining of wanting to push. Our midwife, Kelly, checked and we were 8 centimeters! She said that she wanted to tickle your head since your heart-rate wasn't jumping like it should during labor. She tickled, you did nothing. She tried again, no response. At this time they called in the OB on call, Dr Allison Brenner, and she came in to check as well. She tickled your head, nothing. She took out her hand and a huge puddle of blood was everywhere. I couldn't see anything (thankfully) but immediately your Aunt Lauren walked out crying. The OB mentioned how it's 5 times more than the normal amount, and we should discuss a possible c-section. By this time my blood pressure spiked to 191/101, and a moment later your heart-rate immediately dropped. {I had no idea it had dropped, but knew my blood pressure spiked}

Next second the OB says "we're doing a c-section now!" Within a minute I was out of that room and on my way to get surgery. Your daddy asked Kelly if he could come in and join, and she said not now but that she would come and get him. Grammy was crying, and I remember telling her as they rolled me out, "it's ok guys, I'll be fine!" I remember grabbing your granddads arm on the way out and down the hall I went. Clearly I had no idea what was really going on, because the nurses, OB, and midwife were all so calm. 

At that time, Kelly had given daddy scrubs to wear, and said "change, and I'll be back to get you in a few moments." The contractions kept coming, and in the operation room I lost sense of "mimicking sleep/relaxation" as I was supposed to do. It was intense as each contraction hit and people were all talking calmly, but moving quickly to get things done. I remember one thing they said which felt impossible "you have to move yourself onto this table here." I was screaming through the contraction, but had to move quickly. I got on the table and the sheet went up, and I hear them say to me "hunny we have to knock you out" and immediately I'm in tears! My midwife asked what was wrong and I said "I won't be awake when my baby is born!" And she reassured me she would be with me. I asked "is my husband coming?" And she said "no." Of course I cry again because your daddy wouldn't be there, and I wouldn't be awake for your first cry. Next thing I knew, my midwife pinched my throat, and that was all I remembered. {later found out I was intubated} Little did I know how urgent getting you out was. 

Minutes later, midwife Kelly, had gone out to daddy and told him "baby Olivia is doing just fine!" You had arrived at 9:36pm!!!! Daddy asked "ok, so what about my wife?" So she repeats "the baby is doing just fine. You need to be with your family right now and pray. Unfortunately I don't have any answers for you right now." She began to pull daddys scrubs off of him, and gave Daddy a hug as he began to cry. He went back to Grammy, granddad, and Aunt Lauren and told them what he heard and began praying. They had no idea what was going on with me at the time. About 30 minutes later, Kelly & then Dr. Brenner had come in to tell them that I was doing fine and let them know what happened. I had a placental abruption (the placenta separated) and you were no longer getting oxygen. When you were born, it took them about 5 minutes to resuscitate you, and they placed you on oxygen for a little bit until you were breathing on your own. It was hard for them to control my bleeding after you were born, but thankfully it was done! What a relief! Kelly said she had never had that happen before with any of her patients, and Dr. Brenner said its so rare that it happens, that she was scared. Thankfully they both handled it so well!! 

Next thing, you got to meet some family! Your daddy was so happy to finally hold the little one who he anxiously awaited this whole time! 

At this point I was in the post operation room, as I had to be there for 2 hours to make sure I was doing ok. I remember asking them if you were ok, and they had showed you to me after you were born, but I remember seeing everything so blurry, and hearing a baby cry. I was glad to know that you were okay, and with the family. Finally, it was after 11:30pm, and it was time to go back and see the family and my baby girl! 

I arrived at the room, and hearing one of the family members say "is that Arielle?" And immediately I raise my hand up (my bed was being backed in, and it couldn't fit) and immediately granddad comes out and gives me a hug and kiss. Next thing, I see your daddy. He's never looked so happy to see me in my entire life! He can't seem to stop giving me kisses, and boy am I enjoying them! We get in the room and immediately they ask me, "do you know what happened in there?" And I say "of course, Olivia had to be resuscitated, but she's okay." And immediately they say, "no, do you know what happened to you?" And of course I say "no!" They begin to tell me and I was shocked! I had no idea because of how calm everyone in the room was before my emergency c-section. 

Minutes later, they brought you in and wow, the emotions were overwhelming! Of course I cried! I was thankful to God for sparing both of our lives!! 

I'm so thankful to have you here today, and that you were truly worth the wait! No matter what, I would give my life to save yours anyday! I love you Olivia Nicole! 

Love, 

Your mama

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Some pics during your hospital stay! 

Meeting your sister for the first time! 

Time to go home!

We love you sweet girl! 

FULL TERM!!!

Baby girl, 

   You're finally considered full-term (37 weeks) and that means that whenever you're ready, you can come and we can take you home!!!! I'm so anxious to see you, meet you and hold you and get tons of snuggle time in. I know everyone else can't wait to meet you and do the same. It's been amazing bonding with you as you flip and kick me all the time, but now your mama is ready to look at you face to face and truly meet you! 
   It's crazy to think that your daddy and I only dreamed of the moment we would be meeting you just months ago, and over a year ago, we were anxious to be able to have another child, and yet God is answering both prayers! It's been a blessing to be your mom so far, and I look forward to watching you grow after your arrival. 
   I've officially set up all of your things in the house: car seat & stroller, crib, bassinet/changing area. Now it's time to pack the hospital bag so we're ready for labor and delivery. Your daddy keeps saying "I'm ready to catch this baby!" so get ready my sweet girl, because daddy plans to hold you in his hands as soon as you enter the world. Knowing that in less than 3 weeks we will get to see you, it's blowing my mind. I'm filled with so many emotions of joy, happiness, peace, anxiety, and so much more. I just want life with you to begin immediately. 
   Your big sister, Leeana, has already gotten things ready your room. She's moved onto her big girl bed, and she reminds daddy and I that "baby goes in crib" so that we know where you'll be sleeping. We're preparing her that you'll be here soon, and she's quite ready to help out being the big sister! I think you're truly going to be spoiled by your big sister, but don't worry, we will keep an eye on her so she won't over-spoil you with TOO many toys at once. Hehe. 
   I love you, my sweet little girl! See you soon! In the meantime, keep growing and kicking. 

Love,
Mama

PS - Thanks for all the constant kicks as I wrote this to you! I think you may be aware that I'm always thinking of you! :)

Pregnancy the 2nd time around

Some say that pregnancies can differ and some say they're all the same no matter the gender you're having. Once we found out we were pregnant this time, things were somewhat similar from the start in many ways, and I knew it was another girl. This pregnancy has similarities and differences like any pregnancy, however, this pregnancy has been a bit more difficulty this time around. 

Leeanas pregnancy went a little like this...

-Super excited finding out we were pregnant and having a baby! 

-no real nausea except for 2 weeks, and I would eat and was fine 

-trimester 2=SIMPLE!!!

-trimester 3... Had tons of energy, got bigger, and then by the end I was having pelvic pain and was ready to have this baby (week 39 I was done)

-Leeana was breech (head up) by 30 weeks, and I had to have a c-section 

This pregnancy...

-Super excited finding out we were pregnant after a year long wait!

-had nausea, needed so much rest because the nausea wouldn't always subside with food 

-trimester 2... Pelvic pain began MUCH earlier and the loss of energy happened quickly! 

-trimester 3... More bursts of energy, however still more pelvic pain 

-this little lady is head down, giving us a bigger chance of doing a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean/natural birth) 

Bonus: felt her move super early this time (I believe it was week 17 I felt the first movements) and that made the discomfort that was soon to come that much more bearable. 

Of course, every pregnancy has similarities and differences. This time I started off 20lbs heavier than I did with Leeana, because let's be real, you don't always lose ALL the baby weight. I think that the extra weight has a lot to do with the fact that I've had pelvic pain much earlier on. Also, this 2nd pregnancy I've been diagnosed with gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) and it crushed me big time! A week later, I realized it's not so bad and just helping me to make better food choices and I'm actually doing great with it!!! This time around I also have a toddler needing tons of attention and help in many areas, when I only dealt with adults last pregnancy. All in all, the challenges that do/can come with pregnancy are all worth it when feeling and seeing the little one I'm carrying inside. I would take any of this on again and again in order to bring a beautiful human life into this world. Thank you Lord for this blessing!! 

Love you baby girl! Can't wait to meet you soon!!