Welcoming... !!!!!!!!!!!

Kobe Monroe!!!

Kobe was born today July 11, 2009 at 3:05pm!

He weighed 6 lbs 11 oz and is 20.5 inches long =)

God is absolutely incredible and had the entire day planned out and completely in His hands!!

The whole family =)!!!

We are all doing so well!! More dets to come=)!

Praise God!!!

ETA: Non-medicated!!!! Woohoo=)!! Can't wait to tell you the story=)

Hi Friends!! and The New Dining Room

We're still here! Next Edition must be pretty comfy in there=)! Can you believe it!

I meant to tell you that I'm on twitter and I've been trying to tweet more! Do you tweet? Let me know so I can follow you too!

I am going to give updates via twitter (and a post here or there too=)) thoughout our labor! I think you guys (along w/ my amazing husband!) will keep me encouraged that maybe I can do it naturally=) If I have to get an epidural it'll be ok, but my goal is non-medicated (for a lot of reasons=))! Just click on the "follow me" button in the left sidebar =)

And how about before and after pics of the Dining Room?! So we wanted a "color" and theme and here's what we did for now! It's our first (rusty) orange dining room! We had a Tuscan piece of art that we love [got it at Home G00ds in AZ!] that we decided would be the theme for our dining room =)

BEFORE

Again, the entire... entire room was wallpapered!! And it was 10x more difficult to take off than the family room! If you need an impentetrable material for a b0mb shelter, this is it!! I can't believe this one didn't put me into labor! I guess it got me to 3cms though, haha!

And again, a border at the top on top of the other wallpaper! And peachish trim! Peach! Again! =)

AFTER so far =) new lighting to come and more for the wall at some point=)

Sorry the lighting is terrible, but here's the Tuscan art that was the inspiration.

Underneath the picture on the buffet is a tray with the cake topper and broken glass (remember Mazel Tov!!) from our wedding, and our first real antiques purchase from a cute little town in AZ =)

The buffet was my Mommom and Poppop's (my Dad's parents) and is sooo special to me!

The china cabinet is one of my favorite things about the room! It keeps the 6 settings of china and the crystal we got for our wedding, that I love!!! And we've never used! =) Have you used your china?? My Aunt keeps saying that my Mommom never used her "nice" things for fear that they'd get ruined, but then she was sorry she didn't enjoy them when she could. And really they are just "things" =)

The cake plate on the china cabinet has my bouquet and one of our bridesmaids bouquets in it from our wedding! =) [ETA: the table and china cabinet were hand me downs from a family that I worked for=)]

I hope you're doing great!!! You guys are blogging faster than I can read!! I have hundreds of posts to catch up on! =) Whew! I'll be coming to you soon, it'll probably be a few at a time=)! Blog ya soon blogettes!

I Have To Ask... =) (and an update!!)

Update!!! We had our appt this morning and I am now:

*3 cm dialated!

*75% effaced

*0 station (remember they go from -3 to +3 baby is comin' out=))

*And he stripped my membranes (it did not hurt and was not nearly as uncomfortable as I was afraid it would be! our doc did an amazing job and even said because I was such a good patient he was able to really do a good one on me!)

Ok, here on the east coast there is a fun term used for men who take care of their hygiene or are pretty stylin' or things like that. A metro=) Have you heard of the term metrosexual?? It doesn't have a negative connotation, it's just a funny way of saying that a man is stylish or cares about his appearance.

[Metrosexual is a neologism (a newly coined word that may be in the process of entering common use... ) of the 2000s generally applied to heterosexual men with a strong concern for their appearance, and/or a lifestyle that displays attributes stereotypically related to gay men.]

Have you heard of it? Have you used the term? Is your husband or boyfriend a metro? Does he just like to dress nice but doesn't get a mani and pedi more than you do, haha. Or is he a full on metro? Hair products, hair removal, nails, needing the right shoes to complete his outfit, can he walk past BR without buying something (haha)?

I feel really bad that I think I might offended someone when I used the term about her Hubby, but I was saying it in total fun and positively! Megan, if you're reading, I really hope I didn't offend you or Hubby=)!!

So mine is def a part metro. He likes to be clean shaven, hair cut, wear a black belt with black shoes (or browns), have his nails clipped (not manicured/pedi-ed though, he's scared of that, I got him to go with me once when we were on a getaway=)!), and he owns clothes from B anana Re public and JCrew.

What's yours??? Any metro-like qualities?=)

I've been away from a computer a ton so I'm still catching up!! I hope you had a great day and thank you soooo much for all of your well wishes and sweet comments, I can't tell you how much they make me smile friends!! Now off to try to have a baby!!!=) [in God's timing=)]

Before and After Family Room!

Hi friends!!! We're still here! With baby in belly=) I'm really hoping he comes as. I'm. typing. haha! We are so ready to meet him! It's not because I'm not feeling bad, I feel great!! I'm just so ready for him to come. [and our next appt is tomorrow and they're most likely going to schedule an induction date, but i really don't want to be induced again. of course #1 is healthy baby but i would love to have things a little different this time =)]

To "help him along" I've been:
*Eating lots of pineapple
*Eating some eggplant w/ oregano (first time in forever! eggplant parm, and a dip, we're usually not eggplant eaters, texture funny, fried better, covered in cheese helps too haa, makes hubby queasy =))
*Some walking but lots of work around the house
*Spicy food

*Accupressure points

*some ice cream=)
*Practicing pushing (teehee, just ask if want to know)
*and Yes to your other question =) (ha, that's all i'll say=))
*We can't find red rasberry leaf tea in any store near us!

*Dancing to music with baby
*We decided on his name=)!
Come on baby!!=) But all in God's timing of course=)

Ok, how about some before and after pics of the Family Room!!! The entire room was wallpapered! Entire. Room. Wallpapered. With a border! Ridiculous=) Take a look at the pattern and the scene! The border was a town, horse, and buggy, townspeople scene=) And all of the trim was peach! Peach!

BEFORE

AFTER so far=) - the color comes out a little diff in the pics and the lighting isn't the best but you'll get the idea=)!

Love the callalillies=)

I can't wait to get new pillows for the couch and loveseat, my Mom had given us these years and years ago=)

We love candles! They're everywhere=) Love the scents, love the ambiance, it is so fun to light 'em and get the house smelling and looking gorgeous when guests come over!

We love flowers and plants all around too. And every single one is fake (and was purchased on sale or clearance, but you're not surprised at that=))!! haha! Everyone says they look real! That's the goal peeps, that's the goal=) haha Love 'em!

And there's a toy corner that's hidden even when you're sitting on the couch! It's perfect!

Hope you enjoyed the family room tour! Can't wait to show you the rest. And this baby! Praying somehow it's today! Come on more regular and stronger contractions!!=)

[i am sooo behind catching up on you! we've just been working like crazy to get the house and everything ready before baby comes=) i look forward to catching up on ya girls!!]

BabyBoy's Birth Story Preface Finale!

Today is the last day to enter the GIVEAWAY!!! For a $25 G ift C ard!!! All you have to do is make a fun guess and you could win=)

Back to BabyBoy's Birth Story (thank you for asking for it!)=) Here is Part 1 and Part 2 of the preface to delivery if you want to catch up =) ...

The doctor finally came into the room. We looked at each other. We looked at him. We grasped each others' hands and we waited for every word that was about to come out of his mouth. We could tell something was wrong.

They saw a "double bubble." Two little bubbles instead of just one where the stomach was supposed to be. Our sweet little bean had duodenal atresia... a blockage in his intestine. Trying to hold back a flood of tears, we kept listening.

This meant that he wasn't processing the amniotic fluid correctly which in turn made the fluid build up causing me to have polyhydramnios (too much fluid).

Immediate bedrest. And two steroid injections by 34 weeks to make sure our sweet little guy's lungs fully develop just in case he came really early.

We also found out that there was a 30-50% chance that little bean could have Downs Syndrome (DS) or other complications. And he would have to have surgery after he was born.

Cue us beginning to research everything online. Which really most of the time is a mistake. =)

We had 2-3 doctors appointments, including a sonogram, and non-stress tests, every single week with the perinatalogists, and our doctors. [some appts were quite stressful or created worry, like sending us to the hospital during an appt, and others were ok, just e-mail me if you want more info=)]

They continued to check for soft signs of downs syndrome or any other congenital issues. They insisted on doing an amnio and we kept insisting against it. God was in control. We trusted Him, no matter what the outcome. We had trusted Him from the beginning but I cannot tell you how much our trust and our faith grew through this extremely intense ordeal. There came a point where we had stop worrying, stop researching any and every statistic, problem, complication, that was associated with duodenal atresia. We had to stop and we had to fully trust. Like we had never trusted before. God was in control. Always has been and always will be. Total cliche but true, He will never... never... give you more than you can handle, and you have to trust that He has everything under control (I mean He did create the universe and everything in it right? I think He's got it, and He cares so deeply for us=)). Even if it's not what we want. He has a purpose.

The talk now was automatic c-section. No questions asked. This would be a medical delivery. There was too much fluid for him to be fully engaged and with this much extra fluid, there could be all sorts of complications if my water were to break on it's own.

By 36 weeks I was 2-3 centimeters dialated and 50% effaced. We had an appt on Tues and Thurs of that week. I had progressed from a 2 to almost 3 cm and from about 30 to 50% effaced and it seemed as though he was engaged [although there was still concern my water were to break on it's own].

Friday morning, I'm laying on the couch=) [I think I was working that morning=)], get a phone call, answer it, it was one of our docs. She's never called us before! First she told us that she and the perinatologist reviewed a couple of our sono pics and they did in fact see a strong nose bone [they had told us they saw a soft nose bone which is an indicator of DS]. Oh that was incredible to hear. But we still wouldn't know anything for certain until he was born.

And then she said... emergency induction tomorrow morning at 8am!! ...

Pics Catch Up, 38 Weeks, and Happy Toes!

Hi girls!!! I've missed you! I've been away from a computer pretty much all weekend until now! I can't wait to catch up with you! It might take me a while but I can't wait to see what you've been up to=)! I hope you're doing great!!

A catch up post in pics!

*Cupcakes and ice cream for BabyBoy's B-Day=) He was so excited when we brought it in with his #2 candle lit singing Happy Birthday!! It was so cute! Big partay to come end of July/early Aug=)

*Playgroup last Thursday! [pic missing several other rockin' Mamas and their little ones]

*38 Weeks Belly Pics=) He is just growin' away (and so am I, wooo =))!

Our big happy boy!

*GNO (girls night out) last night=) I had a great time! It was soo nice to see these girls that I haven't seen for so long (or just met=)), catch up, share great laughs, and fun conversation (and yummy [mexican] food)! [several girls weren't able to make, I can't wait to see them soon too!]


*And I got my pedi! I needed one before the bebe comes so I can look at ma bright happy toes during labor=) [i know, it's no epidural, but doesn't it just make ya feel good!]!


Ok you wimps, put in your guesses for the GIVEAWAY, it ends Thursday!!! For a $25 g ift card (there's always something at Target, haha!) and I would love to say thank you to one of my loyal (and sweet!) readers! And thank you so much for all of your super sweet well wishes in the previous post too! I can't tell you how much your prayers, happy thoughts, comments, and sweetness mean to me! It means so much to me that you take the time to comment, that's why I hope you to win a $25 G ift C ard=)! So don't be shy! Guess away!!!

Blog ya soon blogettes!!!

An NCF (Fun and Thank You) GIVEAWAY!!!

I've told you before how thankful I am for all of you! For reading and taking the time to comment, encouraging and just having fun together! You all have meant so much to me, throughout our moves and transitions (still happening=)), miscarriage and pregnancy... you all are awesome. Every single comment brings a smile to my face, makes my day brighter (yes I am a total dork, but I know I am not alone ;) haa). You know I love keeping up with you too, you all are so fun! I could keep going but you want to know to what you can win=)!!

I was going to pick out cute stuff but I just don't have time =), you know I love you, but I thought you'd love a gift card anyway! How about a $25 to T arget??? What do you think?

$25 T arget G ift C ard

So here's how to win! It's Next Edition Poll time! All you have to do is guess when Next Edition is going to come and what his stats are going to be [I know I should have started this earlier!=) but time got away!]!! Sooo...

1. Leave a comment with your predictions on these fun stats for Next Edition

• Date he's comin' - i haven't packed my bag yet and we still have some things to finish up, but i really want him to come, we can't wait to hold him... and smell him=)! does that help?
• Time - i would prefer to get a nights sleep but you don't have to let that sway you=)
• Weight - guess what you want, if you say anything over 7 1/2 lbs I promise I won't disqualify you=)
• Length - go for it =)

2. For an extra entry - that's an extra guess!! just blog about this giveaway=) [leave the link in your comment=)]

Enter by midnight Thursday July 2nd* . Winner announced after NE arrives and must claim prize within 24 hours or the next closest guesser will be snag the prize!

Here's some background information that will probably not aid in your guessing powers at all but here ya go=)

BabyBoy...

• Came at 36 1/2 Weeks (i was already about 3 cm dialated and 50% effaced)
• Weighed in at 6 lb 5 oz (yes at 3 1/2 weeks early!)
• Was 19.5 inches long (he might end up the tallest memeber of NCF so far)
• Came at 7:42 pm (we had an emergency induction that morning starting at approx. 8am. I know, story still to come!!)

My Current Stats (and pic)...

• Almost 38 weeks along
• 1-2 cm dialated
• 50% effaced
• Next Edition is at station -1 (stations go from -3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3, hello baby!)

Good luck!!! You better get to guessin', we're 38 weeks on Monday!!! Don't be shy!

*Entries will have to end if I go in the hospital earlier than the 2nd (that is not a hint, haha) =) so guess away!

ETA: ** Your extra entry is an extra guess!!!

I'm Thankful

for...

1. M00setracks Ice Cream!! oh yeah! Peanut butter cups, fudge, sweet ice creamy goodness, need I say more?!

2. That Hubby has been praying every night (unprompted) for a smooth, wonderful, delivery for me. I love him!

3. BabyBoy breakin' out in "Jesus Wuvs Me" as we walk through a store=) [oh it warms my heart and i can't stop giggling because it's so cute! yes I'm a proud Mama!=)]

4. Friends who are real, non-judgemental, understanding, and who care.

5. Bursts of nesting energy!! Next Edition coming soon, enjoying the rest of the pregnancy, and not worrying if things don't get done... I have to keep repeating that to myself=))!!


I hope you are doing great!!! I'm still trying to catch up on all your posts, you guys need to slow down! I won't blame it on wallpaper [but it's the wallpaper, haha! and the other 1543 things on the to do list=)]! But Hubby keeps reminding me, friends are more important than getting every detail done on the house, and that is so true. I'd love to hang out peeps! Really! Call me, e-mail me, send a plane with a message in the sky. Let's hang out! =) [did that sound desperate, because it was, hahaha, seriously!]

Giveaway tomorrow!!! Think red... puppy... bullseye... are you getting excited?!

ETA: We did get to go to a playgroup today with a bunch of great girls (and their kiddos)... you all are still included=)

Quick Musings

1. 3 rooms de-wallpapered and painted! Before and afters to come! The DR is next, the wallpaper must have been put up in 1857 bc it does not want to come off! Contemplating knocking the whole room down and putting up new walls, haha!

2. My Mom is having a sprinkle/shower for us on Sun=)! It was kind of a quick plan bc we just moved but several friends so far who we haven't seen in a while are coming, soo sweet! We're just excited about getting to spend time with friends and family before the baby comes! And my Mom always does an amazing job hosting partays=)

3. Have you seen this movie?? We (not "we", Hubby too!=)) think it looks so cute and funny!!

I (and Hubby) am usually not the biggest chick flick watcher, I always feel like a big goofball crying while we watch. GNOs (girls nights out) were always dinner, chatting about... well everything, coffee and nails, and lots of laughs. But I have always liked Sandra Bull0ck. She just seems so down to earth, and funny, and I think she's beautiful=) And Ryan R is funny too!!

4. I've gotten tons done off the to do list today so far!! But is just keeps getting longer!!! There's so much to do before Next Edition arrives! And we're told we should rest before he comes, haha! We really are going to try to stop this weekend, yikes.=)

5. Oooh get ready for a giveaway!!!! I hope you're doing great!

ETA: I am craving (and eating) sweets like caraazy!! It's a good thing he's coming soon, ha=)!

[rest of bb's birth story to come=)]

He's 2 Today!!! and BabyBoy's Birth Story Preface Part 2!

Our BabyBoy turns 2 years old today!! Two! Today! He is a miracle, an incredible blessing from God, we are so thankful He entrusted us with this sweet guy, we love our little goofball!!!

We're celebrating as a family today and then we'll have the big party at the end of July! We walked in his room this morning together singing Happy Birthday, he loved it! He loves the birthday song=) (whether it's for him or not=) so cute)!

[I feel so bad not having it within a week or two of his b-day but Hubby's whole fam is out of town, we essentially just got here, my Mom is having a shower/sprinkle for us on Sunday=), and then Next Edition could come anytime...=)]

And I have to have time to make a cake like this one that I made for his 1st B-day!!!

[I couldn't choose between all of these fun goofy pictures! Each one show his sweet, energetic, and fun personality! Itty bitty pics to come=)]

BabyBoy's Birth Story Preface Part 2...

...At 12 1/2 weeks we had our next internal sono. The clot was gone! Gone! Dissolved, reabsorbed! Praise God!

From 13-32 weeks I measured right on (even though I felt very BIG=))

Everything came to a grounding halt. At 32 weeks I, all of a sudden, measured a couple weeks ahead.

We were immediately sent for an ultrasound. Like, grab your purse and your husband and go to this location...

We nervously sat there, holding each other's hand, while the technician checked out our sweet little bean. He said only a few things, they are not supposed to say much at all, they're supposed to let the doctor come in, review the stats, and give their analysis. You try to read their faces, is that bad, what does that mean, asking as many questions as you can for an immediate answer, wanting to make sure everything is ok. But he couldn't give us much of anything.

So we just kept looking at each other, wondering and anxiously awaiting the arrival of the doctor into our room to tell us his findings on our sweet little bean...

to be cont. ...!!!