Happy 3 weeks, Chloe!

Chloe will be 3 weeks old a little later today. Life is definately different and Matt and I are still adjusting.
Monday, Chloe had her two week check up appointment. She weighed 9 lbs. 1.5 ounces. Even though she has not yet regained weight, they are not concerned as she otherwise appears healthy. She is to go back at 2 months for her immunizations.
After the appointment, Chloe attended her first Christmas party and this was the first place we have been other than doctor's appointments and the hospital. We went to a friend's (Carol Ann) house that I went to nursing school with where Chloe met my nursing school friends, Holly, Amy, Allison, Jennifer, Carol Ann, and Crissy. She met babies Lainey, Ryan, and Olivia Kate as well and we took some cute pictures of the babies. Of course, Chloe had to be the fussy baby out of the group and required a pacifier during her photo shoot, but they were still super cute!
Tuesday night, Aunt Jill and the Crowley grandparents came to see little Chloe. They brought us dinner as well, which was so nice! Chloe was happy most of the visit and then tuckered out on grandma's shoulder.
Right now, Chloe is in her crib and we are attempting her first night to sleep in it. With the advice from some other mommies, we are using a wedge and her swaddle thingy. We will see how long I last.
Chloe after her bath today (Tuesday)


A sweet smile from Chloe!


Chloe having happy time while waiting on daddy to come home

Happy 2 weeks, Chloe!!!!

Today, Chloe turned 2 weeks old! She took a nap with her daddy to celebrate the day! I am still learning time management with a newborn and do well to feed, bathe, and dress the little lady and get a few household chores done. The doctor said I need to take it easy and seemed to think I was doing to much at my doctor's appointment yesterday. She told me I shouldn't be lifting grocery bags, which isn't an issue as I haven't even been to the store since we have been home. As a matter of fact, the only places I have been are to Chloe's doctor's appointment and to my own. The dog's continue to be interested in the baby and make sniffing her the first thing on their agenda when we let them in. She doesn't seem to mind. Aunt Joyce is coming to visit tomorrow for a few days, so hopefully I will have the time to post some pictures so you can see how cute this little lady is!

Little lady...not so much!

We went for our biophysical profile ultrasound today. Everything looked great and Chloe is doing well. She has chubby cheeks and the machine estimated her weight to be 9 lbs. 9 oz. The ultrasound tech said give or take 15%. Let us hope it is take and not give! I am happy she is doing well, but I have my work cut out for me.

Chloe... come out and get your gifts!!!

Chloe has gotten even more presents!!! She is a little diva already! See all her cute new things!
What a great gift! Chloe's aunt Tonya gave us a gift card to Baby Gap to pick out something cute for her! I am going to wait til she gets here before picking! Thanks Tonya!

Frances Stone picked out these cute outfits for little Chloe... I just love the feet and Chloe's very first Christmas bib! Also, she gave Chloe a Five Little Monkeys Book! I love Monkeys!

Chloe's great Aunt Janie and Uncle Michael gave us these sweet gowns and bib with Chloe's initial on it. Monogrammed things are great! So sweet to send us this gift!

Once again, the mysterious turning picture. I have no idea how to straighten them out. They are straight when I put them in, but turn on here. Anyway... I LOVE this blanket! I registered for it! Also, a mirror for the car and a cute baby animals book! Thanks so much Freda Farley!

My grandparents' friend made these booties. They are so sweet! Thanks so much Ms. Lila Luke for making Chloe this!

Still waiting

Chloe is still hanging out inside of me. I have resorted to trying herbal remedies. I have started drinking raspberry tea and plan to start taking black cohosh tomorrow. I need a ripe cervix, so I am willing to try out these things.
Chloe was very active today. Matt said it looked like Fonzie (our 10 month old boxer) was inside of me as she was dancing around tons! Maybe she is searching for an exit. I had several random contractions today. Unfortunately, they were spaced out and tolerable (which according to the midwives and ob nurses, we want extremely painful contractions). I still think that any contraction that I can feel is an improvement, as I only have had contractions twice prior to the first induction.
It is increasingly more difficult to move around as I continue to get larger. My feet, ankles, and legs retained tons of fluid from the hospital so I am very swollen as well. Despite these complaints, we are both doing well. As we wait, my mother and I plan to start decorating for Christmas!

We need more time...

"He's still working on me, to make me what I ought to be. It took him just a week to make the moon, the stars, the Sun, the Earth, and Jupiter and Mars... How loving and faithful he must be... he's still working on me." My cousin sang this song on a tape years ago and I loved it. I feel this must be what is happening with little Chloe. She just needs a little more time.
We went in for induction Thursday, November 19 at 1930. We actually weren't in a room until 2130. An IV with a bolus was started by nurse Susan, admission history done, and assessment done by nurse Aspen. Anesthesia came in to tell me about epidurals and blocks, etc. He stated I could have it whenever. The ob was in surgery and then to a delivery so it to a while for us to see Dr. Lotshaw, who was the doctor that night. He came in at midnight, checked me (fingertip and 30% effaced). We weren't starting with much and Dr. Lotshaw said this could take days. He placed a vaginal suppository of cytotec at this time. I had to lay flat for two hours after the cytotec was placed so it did not come out. Nothing really happened for hours. The nurse came in about hourly to check on me. I slept a little during this time. Around 0400 the nurse said Chloe was having late decels occassionally after contractions, but was reactive after them. She stated Dr. Lotshaw wanted to let me be as contractions were 2-4 minutes apart and they would wait til the morning to do a recheck. At 0730, a midwife named Deborah came in and checked and no improvement at this time. She decided to start pitocin at 1 ml/hr to see if we could slowly get contractions a little more regular. Pitocin was on for about 30 minutes before Chloe had some pretty bad late decels (her heart rate was dropping) and nurse Mary M. rushed in to turn it off. Chloe was didn't like me laying on my right side after this. She eventually was happy and active again. Around this time, nurse Ann took over for nurse Mary. They let me eat jello, chicken broth, and juice for lunch and then off for a walk around. At 1430, Deborah came in again and I was 1 cm and 50% effaced. They talked about placing a foley bulb at this time and we all agreed I would definately need medication for this. They decided to wait a little longer to see if I would change any before placing it. At 1630, another check with no changes and to our suprise they gave us the option of going home. They felt a c-section was likely- a 40% chance at the rate things were moving and the way things happened. We decided that was best and now at home to wait on Chloe to come on her own. Hopefully that is what will happen. If not, we will have an ultrasound on Tuesday to make sure all is well and then on Thursday at 2000, off to be admitted and induced again. They will not give us the option to go home the second time and stated if a c-section was needed (which is still possible) it would occur during that admission. Hopefully I dilate during this time and Chloe and my body do things without help, but if not we are in for an adventure.
It is disappointing that we didn't get to come home with our little girl in our arms, but comforting to know that we were given the choice to do what we felt was best and the safest option for both Chloe and myself.
After leaving the hospital, my husband took me to eat and Tayst (we ate a yummy cheese plate and I ate trout with this caramel apple that was amazing!) and we went home and watched a movie. The dogs were extremely happy to see us.

4 days til induction!!!

Chloe is still hanging out inside of me, but not for much longer! Last night, friends Robyn and Dave stayed with us. Robyn and I got Chloe's Thanksgiving outfit picked out! It was funny to see how concerned Dave was about me pushing limits- such as carpet cleaning, lifting, etc. Especially when Matt has never been that way. It was sweet and I think he will take great care of Robyn when they decide to have children.
Today is my Great Aunts' (Aunt Nancy and Aunt Mary Jane) birthday! Happy Birthday! They wanted Chloe to share their birthday, but it looks as though she is holding off.

Induction is scheduled!!!!

If Chloe does not come on her own, we will be admitted to the hospital on Thursday, November 19th at 7:30 pm to begin induction! They expect her to be born on Friday, November 20th in the morning!!!!! I only have to be pregnant for one more week!!!!!

Nursery and going home outfit

Chloe's nursery- the rocker and big bookshelf with tons of books

Rocker, polka dots and swing!

Crib and curtain

A gift from Debe Newton- 3 piece outfit with blanket. Thanks!

Chloe's going home outfit with pants- thanks to Debbie (our neighbor) for monogramming this

Chloe's dress - going home outfit!

Happy Veteran's Day!!!!

My husband is watching the CMAs right now. I am wishing my water would break. I am a bit obsessed with this whole going into labor thing right now. I am so big and so uncomfortable, the moment simply cannot come soon enough. I have an appointment with a midwife in the morning and she said that we will schedule a date for induction, so I can actually count down to a guaranteed date. I can hardly wait to find out the date. I am not scared or nervous as my feelings of anxiousness are greater than any other emotion. My husband is ready as well. He says he has heard more moans and groans than he needs to at this point! Come on Chloe!!! We are ready to meet you!

When will she come???

Due date is in 1 hour. Will she come? She is moving around right now. I think about 10 random people asked me when I was due today. It is interesting how few strangers there are when you are pregnant. A lady in Walgreens asked if I planned to breast feed. This same lady also told me her first baby was overdue and 9 lbs. Meanwhile, I am trying to buy my water and leave the store. Random. A lady in Toys R Us said she thought I would have the baby any minute. It is fun though when they ask when I am due and watching their face when I say tomorrow.
I finally found a going home outfit for Chloe and it is currently at my neighbors getting monogrammed. I can't wait to see the final result! Maybe that is what Chloe has been waiting for. Let's hope.

More than ready...

I am getting anxious... so ready for Chloe to be here!!!!!! I am going to have to resort to cleaning if Chloe doesn't come soon. I have never gotten the 'nesting' part of pregnancy... Matt is still waiting for it. I am happy to be on maternity leave, but almost wish I was working so the time would pass quicker.

Baby, please come out!!!!

Chloe is due on Wednesday and is still not here! I am tired and hurt just about everywhere and do not ever sleep through the night. The midwife said at my appointment on Thursday that if she isn't here at the next appointment (Thursday), we would schedule an induction!!! At least the end is near. They want her to go a week overdue as they would prefer her to come on her own, but she promised I would have a newborn and not be pregnant for Thanksgiving. I ordered Chloe a very cute clip to go on her headband for Thanksgiving! See...

Happy first anniversary to us!

We are excited to be celebrating our first anniversary together today!!!! Matt actually has to work the first part of this day, but we are going to celebrate tonight!

More gifts :)

From Aunt Christie, Uncle Stuart,and cousin Jonas

A check for Chloe... thanks Mary Wood!

A book from Donna Flatt

A bible and book from Patti Webb... she is one of the authors of this book

Sweet bibs and a toy and book from Mrs. Cookie

Dresses from Christine Lowry... she is also a nurse where I work and has a sweet baby girl!

A tutu made by Mrs. Nancy Rawlings with a sweet little note for Chloe

Mommy things from my friend Robyn! Yay- now we can teach Chloe she isn't just a daddy's girl!

36 1/2 weeks... any day now

Things are progressing well and I have never been more ready for Chloe to make her grand appearance. My ankles are severely swollen, but I am still being a trooper and working. I have 5 shifts left until my maternity leave begins and my goal is to make it through them so I can spend more time with Chloe when she arrives. We have a few more things to do to Chloe's room and then I will post pictures. Aunt Joyce is coming to stay with us later today, so hopefully we will get things hung and tomorrow Matt's parents are coming so we should be able to get the rest of the furniture up the steps and in her room. She has gotten even more gifts, which I will post pictures of later. Matt has been telling people I am due tomorrow when they ask- silly guy. Last week he predicted that she would come in two weeks... let's hope he is right. Meanwhile, we are looking forward to our anniversary on October 24!

More gifts for little Chloe!!!!

This gift is one of the sweetest! I had a patient's mom that made these bracelets for little Chloe. It was the most unexpected gift yet!

From Cristina Estrada- a swaddler and sweet outfit for little Chloe!! Cristina is due a little less than two weeks after me with little girl, Gemma!

From Jennifer Ladd... A sweet baby book! Jennifer is scheduled to be induced with her baby boy, Ryan, in just 3 days! I can't wait to meet him!

From Michelle Pokrzywinski... actually today is the last day that will be her last name- Chloe and I will be attending her wedding tonight! I have known Michelle since we were 10!

From Holly Kniery... I LOVE these wash clothes! They match the towels that Michelle got Chloe! And of course Chloe will look like a princess with her princess towel!

Work Shower Photos from 9-25-09

This was our super cute cake! Jill Williams had this cake made and it tasted as good as it looks! It was chocolate with cream cheese in the middle.

Me and Crissy posing with the cake. Crissy's baby, Lainey is due sometime mid to late October. Lainey and Chloe will be camping buddies!

Posing with Chloe's bathtime duck that tells if the water is to hot. From Molly!

More things from Molly!!! HUGE bottles of bathtime soap, bubble bath and lotion!

Crissy feeling my outie belly button... I am pretty jealous hers hasn't popped out.

Lainey and Chloe waiting to come out!

So many presents!!!!!

From Amber Thomas- items we will definately use!

From Chris Pence- I love things with Chloe's name on it!!!!! Chris made this!


From Becca Looney- such cute outfits!
From Auntie Molly Hallaron- love the dress!

Chloe's HUGE diaper cake!!! It is beautiful! Made by Donna Flatt and Martha Jackson...I don't know that I will be able to take it apart it is so cute!

From Grandma and Grandpa Stephenson- grandma flew in from Florida for Chloe's shower!

From Great Aunt Joyce- Aunt Joyce loves cows- notice the cow onsie and made Chloe a taggie blanket

From Great Grandma Carter- a photo album for cute pics of Chloe to go in!!!

Socks from Gigi and Poppa Crowley- Love the ones that look like shoes

From Gigi and Poppa Crowley- the blanket under the books was Matt's when he was a baby

More books from Gigi and Poppa Crowley- her bible is engraved with her name

From Aunt Jill- the book was signed by the author and aunt Jill's favorite book

More from Aunt Jill- the 'Daddy's angel' onsie has wings on the back!

From Nanny- these things are things we will save forever- it is very special that Chloe will get to meet her Nanny!
From Robyn Willis- LOVE the giraffe!

From Nancy Rawlings- who doesn't need a baby leash!!!! This book is very cute! I have already read it to Chloe (The Rawlings house was my second home when I was in middle and high school)

Wow- THREE play gyms!!!!! One from Nancy Rawlings, the other from Donna Flatt and a third from Jackie Shute and Tammy Sykes! Thanks so much!

From Donna Flatt- "My prince did come, his name is daddy"- so sweet!

One book from each cousin- Noah, Matthew, and Josh

From Heather, Richard, and Taylor Rawlings- Chloe's 2nd gift from them... so sweet!!!!

From Allison Royalty- one of my nursing school girls- Chloe will have fun at bathtime!

From Carol Ann Pilote- another one of my nursing school girls- this is one of my all time favorite books!

From Rachel and Aaron Ward- Rachel just moved to Arkansas and could not come, but shipped Chloe these things- so nice! I miss you Rachel! She was my night preceptor at work.

From Brenda Welch- notice the cute initials on the overalls!

From Willa and Hannah Ollis- LOVE the monkey bib- we are adding monkeys to Chloe's nursery

From Vicki Coffee- I honestly don't know much about the Bumbo, but it was a must have item according to other mommies!

From Andy and Sandra Agee- this cat looks like our cat McKenzie, so surely to be one of Chloe's favorite toys

From Martha Jackson- Chloe will enjoy these toys!!!

Martha also got Chloe a changing pad!

From Linda Janca- such cute things!!!

From Margie Dice- Chloe will be styling early!

From Anita McMahon- I LOVE this owl- it jitters when you pull it- so cute!

From Jeanie Jenkins- cute little outfit! Sorry this picture is sideways

From Ms. Eleanor Vincent- a girl has got to eat!

From Maryetta Murphy- Matt says I will take this mirror from Chloe- she has to learn to share some way, right!?!?

From Fran Tanner- this lamb lovie is so soft!

From Sandra Pigue and Aunt Naomi- the blanket that I used as my background in all of the pictures is also from them... they either made her blankets or had them made

Precious outfit from Janice Davis- we will have to get pictures made of Chloe in this sweet dress

From Brenda Clemmer- I had a blue elephant when I was a baby, so I registered Chloe for a pink elephant lovey!

From Kari Kernell- things for me!!!!
From Elaine Rust- a very sweet lady- we will have to hang this picture frame in our hall

Books from the hostesses of the shower- they also got her a stroller!!!!!!!
From Erin Stevens- I am excited about the diaper bag sized items!

From Diane Ferrell- Matt is good friends with her son- the bible is so sweet and Chloe's first doll!

From Carol Akers and Lori Swain- Lori is one of aunt Jill's best friends- the car seat protectors will certainly be used!

I was shocked to see how many gifts little Chloe received at her showers. She certainly will not have to worry about being loved as everyone seems to love this little lady already. We are very thankful for everything everyone has gotten her. I went to a work shower on Friday, and Chloe and baby Lainey had the cutest and best tasting shower cake ever and lots of other great food! Then Saturday, we went to Mary Jo's house (my mother in law's friend's house) and there were TONS of people there! A couple of ladies made Chloe the CUTEST diaper cake and his sister and Judy made a baby carriage made out of fruit. I was so busy the whole shower that I personally didn't get a chance to take any pictures, so the only pictures I have are of her gifts. She got around 50 books as the invite said to sign books instead of cards, which was a great idea. The messages inside the books will be special to Chloe.