Nesting

I wish I could say that a few weeks ago I felt like a mother bird running all around making sure our little "nest" was ready for our baby's arrival. I wish I could say that we had been setting up her bed and swing, cleaning, buying her diapers, and stoking the freezer with easy meals and munchies. But instead we were relaxing and waiting for what we thought would be weeks for our baby girl's arrival. 

Maybe I should have thought more about that since I was in the 36 to 40+ full term bracket, but considering Connor was a late and induced baby, the thought that this baby would be an early bird never crossed my mind. 

Here is a little overview of how I grew this time around ...

20 weeks 

28 weeks

34 weeks

37 weeks and 5 days, Bella

11 days old

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I remember when I was just a little girl and I loved playing dress-up. I was always the Mommy taking care of lots of little babies and it was all very exciting. And now I have really babies to dress all up and take with me everywhere. What a lucky girl I am. 

I love being a mom and I know that having two babies, both in diapers, is no easy task. But with lots of love and help I know its possible. I know that all the kisses and cuddles make it well worth it and I can't imagine anything greater than holding my baby Bella with Connor always at my side. Mommy-hood is the best!

A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.

-- Agatha Christie

I am loving our family of four!

16 Days Early

Wow what a whirlwind it has been.

I am tired and still recovering so here are the highlights:

We went in for a routine check-up at 12:15pm on Thursday, October 20^th. I was 37 weeks and 5 days.

The Dr. checked me and I was 5 cm and 90% effaced.

Shea and I heard this and looked at each other and were like cool, thinking “one more week or so to go.”

But the Dr. looked at us and was like SOOO... “That means you’re really close to delivering this baby, are you sure you haven't felt any contractions.”

I was like, nope but I have been extremely uncomfortable today.

He told me my water is bulging, which means it could break anytime. And I am really far along.

Then he hit us with the big stuff...

He said “Walk around for a couple hours, eat some lunch, get all ready and head to Labor and Delivery”. He told us if I am not in active labor when I get there he will put me in it, since I am so close it is not worth it to wait and have the panic of trying to get to the hospital on time for an epidural.

YES we were in shock.

We called the families, and spread the news.

First, we drove to Rexburg. Packed for the hospital/Connor’s overnight bag and straightened the apartment.

Next, we headed out for some fast food lunch.

Then we made our way to Shea’s parents and dropped off Connor’s bag. We said some sad “Goodbye’s” to our only child.

Once we got to Idaho Falls we decided to take a walk around the mall, just hoping for a little progress. I was starting to get a little worried, because I was feeling no contractions and no pain. So we were both imagining all the hospital possibilities, mostly involving false alarms and preparing ourselves for a trip back home.

Finally we decided let’s face it and find out what they will say, so we head to the hospital.

Labor and delivery here we come.

We got checked in and got asked a whole bunch of questions.

End result I am feeling no pain, no contractions, and the nurses are looking at me like I am crazy.

I am now dilated to a 6.

They call the Dr. and he says to keep me. So this is it! We are going to meet our baby girl in a few hours, craziness!

Minutes later they ask me about an epidural. I say yes. Even though I am having no pain, I decide ... I don't want any so bring it on.

I am now dilated to 7 cm ... still no pain, no nothing. The screen says my contractions are 2-4 mins apart.  

The anesthesiologist comes and I get the epidural.

Dr. comes and breaks my water, 5:30pm.

I sleep a little, play Phase 10, and do a little waiting. My contractions have now slowed because of my epidural, so they are sporadic. They decide to give me some Pitocin to get my contractions consistent again, 7:11pm.

8:17pm I am completely dilated.

The room is set up and the Dr. arrives, 8:39pm I start pushing. Due to her perfect position, (the Dr. even comments that her nose is in the right spot, which is rare), only ten minutes of pushing.

Bella Marie Stanger is born, 8:49pm!

Bella Report:

She weighed 6 lbs 8 oz  and was 20.5 inches long.

 She was born with some light brown/blondish hair.

Blonde eyelashes and eyebrows.

Dark bluish eyes, baby eyes change, so who knows.

And long little fingers and toes!

She was 16 days early.

She had a little trouble breathing since she was early so they had to press on her lungs and do some exercises with her right away. Nothing scary and she was good to go after that.

She had jaundice. So we had to do a couple blood tests this week to have it checked, to ensure her bilirubin levels were going down. And as they were, we didn’t have to worry.

On the way to Dr. Appt #1, 4 Days Old

Dr Appt #1, Daddy and Bella

Big Brother overseeing the Appt

Mommy and her Girl at the Dr. 

Mommy Report:

What a SHOCK! It has all been. Throughout the whole day of labor I kept waking up and thinking I was dreaming.

I was so impressed with Shea, through it all he was one step ahead. Making sure I was taken care of and not worrying and just being such a huge sense of comfort. Giving me reassurance and support 

The delivery and recovery have all been perfect. I couldn’t have asked for better. It was the most fairy tale birth I could have imagined. No pain and perfect baby and quick recovery, with an amazing husband by your side every step of the way.

Life is good; I am walking around and chasing our Connor while cradling our Bella constantly! It is a busy and crazy life right now but it couldn’t be better.

We are now patiently awaiting the arrival of my family. I can’t wait to show off our little Bells!

Snuggling in bed with Connor, 5 Days Old

Connor Report:

Connor loves Bella and gives her hugs and kisses every chance he gets, a little too much loving sometimes but it’s adorable! 

He loves her so much already and is a protective and careful big brother already. 

Always wanting to know where she is or why she is crying. 

His favorite things is to hold her and with a lot of help he holds her himself, our independent little man.

We are so proud of him.

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One Week Old Photo Shoot

WELCOME TO THE WORLD

Bella Marie Stanger

Born October 20, 2011 at 8:49 pm

Weighing 6 lbs 8 oz, 20.5 inches long

Family is home and all doing well.

Pregnancy Favorites

A little update on my pregnancy:

Uncomfortable... YES!

Tired... YES!

Ready to be done... YES!

Life is crazy and I am trying hard to keep busy, which I am doing. And the time is going relatively fast, but these last few weeks of pregnancy are a killer. I am enjoying my time with Connor as he relishes his last weeks as the solo Stanger child. We are happy and healthy and all in all doing extremely well.

I thought I would share a few of my favorites during this pregnancy like I did last time around. So these are the things that make the top of my list, for daily favs!

Chap-stick and Lotion
...for all the dryness that comes with pregnancy



Bella Band
...for keeping my tummy supported and my pants up

Roasted Asparagus

This is my favorite meal to make lately, it is so easy and I have cravings for asparagus all the time. So it is at least weekly and sometimes I wish it was daily. Connor loves the salmon and especially asparagus so he snipes large portions of this meal too. 

Lemon Garlic Oven-Roasted Salmon with Asparagus

Salmon fillets

Asparagus bunch

1-2 tbsp. olive oil

Shredded parmesan

Salt and pepper, to taste

Garlic salt, or 1-2 minced cloves

Lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to 400. Lightly drizzle baking pan(s) with olive oil. I use a separate pan for asparagus and salmon.

2. Wash your asparagus and snap (don’t slice!) the ends off. Put asparagus in a med size bowl and add a tbsp. of olive oil; season with salt and pepper (and garlic salt). Mix lightly with your hands. Lay the asparagus on the pan and sprinkle with parmesan.

3. Season both sides of salmon fillets with garlic, salt, and pepper and any extra seasoning you want (I use Basil, Oregano, and Parsley). Then place your fillets on the pan.

4. Pour a little lemon juice over both pans.

5. Then I put both pans in the oven. Salmon for 9 mins and asparagus for 12mins, depending on how you like it cooked.

Blue Powerade

... drink of choice, all the time!

Snickers Ice Cream Bars
...Yum! I have been into lots of frozen chocolate treats this time. I will take a frozen Hershey Bar any day!

AND

Of course what has made this pregnancy go by the fastest is Connor! He makes all the little hard parts worth it, because even though he tackles me and gives me rough love. I look into him and see all that love and happiness and it just makes me all the more excited for the new little fairy princess were about to have.

Plus he is constantly giving me hugs and kisses lately, it makes me think he knows something is about to change.

This is pre-haircut... 

How's my Baby bump?

At the first doctor's visit in September we had another ultrasound. Lucky us. She had an irregular heartbeat so they had to check and make sure everything was okay, and it was all perfect. We got more pictures of our pretty girl, and a free 3D ultrasound as well.

32 weeks, 5 days

We also discussed inducement with the doctor. I was hoping he would be willing to take me a little early because: we are 40 mins from the hospital we want to deliver at, I progressed really fast with Connor, everything went great with inducing the first time, I want an epidural for the pain, and I hope to be scheduled with Dr. Robison. And YAY he was totally willing, he said lets plan on 39 weeks. Which is a weekend so it probably wont be till November 1st, (since Monday of that week is Halloween). So that means I would be induced 4 days early, which sounds great to me. Early is early and I am all for less waiting time. 

Week 34

I had another appointment this month, at 34 weeks and 5 days. Everything went well. It was a quick visit and everything went well. Good, strong heartbeat. And little baby girl is getting ready to come, head in place and down. It is so crazy to think I will be delivering in a little over a month. Wow it is really coming up. 

On thebump.com it says that Month 8 (week 33-36) is going a little something like this, for baby: 

"Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month. Baby is about the size of a Honeydew Melon, Average size: 17.2-18.7 inches, 4.2-5.8 lb."

Just a few more weeks before we get to see our baby girl!

A Fairy Note

Dear Bells,

We love you so much already and are so anxious to meet you. I wait to hear your first cry, which will melt my heart. Knowing you are here and healthy, will be such a comforting melody. Our first baby girl. You peek into my dreams a floating little fairy leaving me with thoughts of your darling face. I long to dress you up in bows and carry you around, all ours to show off to the world. Greeting you is the foremost thought in our minds as the day gets closer, and as you grow inside of me.

Daddy can’t wait to hold you in his arms and feel your soft new skin. He imagines what color your beautiful eyes will be and he is eager to look into them for the very first time. We can’t wait for you to meet your brother Connor. He presses kisses on Mommy’s belly and gives me hugs just for you. He thinks it is funny that Mommy has a special belly, but he is careful and so sweet about it.

We have an outfit already for you to come home in. We wonder how you will fit into it; will it swamp your tiny body? Or will you be bursting at the newborn seams? I remember with Connor it was a time of nervous anticipation, but with you we are prepared and content. Our emotions are centered, centered on our Bella Marie Stanger. As anxious as we are we look at the calendar and can’t believe that your arrival is so near. We are just weeks away now and things are moving quickly. We often imagine wrapping you in warm blankets to shelter you from the cold and having your sweet presence in our home. I can see Connor staring in awe of you and your miraculous little shape, tickling your tiny toes and being Mommy's biggest helper. I know that we will be watching you sleep and in hushed tones talking of your beauty for months to come.

Oh how we long to welcome you into our family, to watch you learn and grow. What a treasure it will be to have you here, sharing in our love. We adore you already, our little fairy Bells. 

Love,

Mommy, Daddy and Connor

Stanger Babe

Our Stanger Girl is on her way. That's right we got another ultrasound and it is officially a GIRL! So we are having excited conversations about our new addition daily. Planning and longing, for her to be here and join us already.

21 Weeks

24 Weeks

28 Weeks

I am now 7 months, 28 weeks down 12 to go. My pregnancy with Connor was slow and just got slower, that anticipation of your first just made the time even longer it seems. This time around I have lots of distractions, Connor being the main one. And wow it is such a blessing because even though I am still anxious for our sweet babe, the wait seems to be much more bearable. Only 3 months left!

Here is a little doctor report from our appointment this week:
Baby:
Measuring perfectly (maybe even a little ahead)! Wonderful strong heartbeat of the 130's.
She is moving lots, Shea felt her for the first time at 26 weeks. He was thrilled. Lots of movement has been inner; kicking lungs, ribs, bladder, kidneys, and all that fun stuff.
Mommy:
Healthy and happy. I had my glucose test, (which is routine now) and the results came out negative. So no worries there. And I am still feeling great! This week I am getting the baby butterflies though, I can't wait for our little ladybug to arrive! I mean it is really coming up now.

We have started shopping more! YAY! And now I can't stop. Bows, leggings, jackets, and dresses. Where to begin?