Spending time with the Grandparents

My parents bought a luxurious RV this year and we were lucky enough to spend some time with them on their maiden voyage. We had a wonderful and very relaxing time together. Here are a few pictures from that day.

Lily playing

Lily loves her bouncer. Such a happy baby.

My Cutie Pie

A little mommy lovings.

This sums up Lily's 1st Christmas

After such an amazing day with family, our Lilybug fell asleep on the floor in front of the Christmas tree. Sweet dreams babygirl, sweet dreams. We love you very much.

My Dad's 60th Birthday

My dad turned 60 this year. I can't believe it. All year long I have been trying to figure out what to get him for his 60th birthday, but I couldn't come up with anything. I wanted it to be meaningful, but I was stumped.... and then I figured it out.

Have grandbaby, dress her up! Perfect! Puff Paint to the rescue.



We surprised him with a special photo cake. When the cake came out he totally thought it was for me, since my birthday was coming up next. It was funny. Such a good surprise.



Happy 60th Birthday Dad, aka grampy :-)

Lily's 1st Christmas

Today's the big day...Santa came and went and none of us even woke up. We had a quiet morning just the three of us. We couldn't have been happier.

This is Lily and I coming down the stairs to see what Santa put under the tree. Don't mind my hair..Its naturally curly, I can't help it.

Ed's Christmas Eve Gift (from Lily)

Eddie gives Lily her bath every night and lately Ed's been telling me that Lily really wants to sit up in her tub and that its getting difficult getting her to lay back. I decided to see what Lily wanted. She told me she wanted a bigger tub, so I took her to the store to pick one out to give to Eddie for Christmas. I'm actually not sure who was happier.

Christmas Eve Gifts

As a tradition for our family we open one gift each on Christmas Eve. My parents happened to send Lily a few gifts that they wanted opened on Christmas Eve. The pictures tell you exactly how she reacted to opening a gift for the first time. Priceless...









Thanks Grams and Grampy!

Lily's Christmas Stocking

Its been a family tradition for Ed and I that I make the christmas stockings. When we were newly married I made us matching stockings to have over the years. I added some personal touches to it, like some left over ribbon used in our wedding. So it was now time to make Lily her Christmas stocking.

I decided I wanted Lily's to be kinda modern and colorful so maybe when she got older she'd still like it... I guess we'll see in time. I also decided to add some personal touches to it as well. The ribbon used to hang her stocking has images of cute little turtles all over it. As most of our friends know, we called Lily "turtle" before we knew she was a girl. It was her nickname. I also hand stitched some daisy buttons on it because its my favorite flower and I had them used as decorations at her baby shower.







I got to show her the stocking today and I think she really likes it.

Merry Christmas!

From our home to yours, we want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday!

Fun Times with Mom and Dad

Sitting on dad.



Knocking down blocks with mom.



Making a funny face for the camera. Priceless.

My Saving Grace or should I say... Mary

I wanted to take a moment to thank a person who helps me take care of Lily. Her name is Mary, she is a family friend and has been my saving grace. She has been such a help that I feel like a stronger mom for my daughter. I am truly thankful to have Mary.

And as you can see below, Lily likes her "Mrs. Mary" as well. :-)

Cranialsacral Therapy

After months of colic and acid reflux, we were willing to try one more thing to help our daughter feel better. Our holistic pediatrician recommended cranialsacral therapy for Lily from the first time we saw her but we were unsure it would actually work. After much research we decided to give it a try. It was going to consist of 3 sessions with the therapist.

The first session lasted an hour. It wasn't fun for any of us. It wasn't painful for Lily it was just upsetting for her because you could tell she didn't know what was going on. The easiest way to describe it is that its like when you have tension in your shoulders and someone pushes on those pressure points, its painful at first but as an adult you know once the tension is released you feel ten times better and have no more tension. Try explaining that to an infant. They don't know what this stranger is doing to them and they don't know that the minor amount of pressure that is being applied to them will bring them such relief later on.

We didn't see major results immediately but we did see a change after the second and third session. We can happily say our daughter no longer has colic or acid reflux. And to make things even better just a few days ago, Lily decided to drink from a bottle. We are so very thankful we decided to have cranialsacral therapy. It has made such a wonderful difference.

If you'd like to read more on the procedure please click on the following link. http://www.intentionalwellnesstherapy.com/

Lily's 1st Thanksgiving

Today was our Lily's 1st Thanksgiving, and we had a blast making it special for her. Even though I'm on a crazy diet to help Lily, I've been doing lots of research on what I could make to still make today seem traditional. In the end, I think I made the best turkey and gravy we've ever eaten. Of course, I had to make some of Eddie's favorites. But I couldn't eat those.



Lily got to eat her Thanksgiving dinner (rice cereal). She liked it.



After dinner we got silly for the camera! A good meal can do that.







And to make sure we didn't fall asleep after eating turkey, we took Lily for a walk in her stroller. She loves her stroller and being outside. Not sure if you can tell.

Cutie Pie!



We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Gobble Gobble!

16 weeks old, lets try cereal!

Lily is now 16 weeks old and she hasn't been sleeping so well the last few days. Lily used to sleep for most of the night to only wake up maybe once or twice during the night. But the last few nights she's been waking up every 2 to 3 hours. I now know what its like to not get much of any rest... and I don't like it. We are assuming Lily might be going through a growth spurt and hopefully its not the "4 month regression" I hear so much about.

With all that said, we decided to start Lily on a little rice cereal at night to see if that would help her sleep longer. We were happy to see that she didn't mind eating from a spoon since she still doesn't want to take a bottle.I don't know if she was too sure of it all but it was very cute for us to watch. Enjoy the photos!

Every baby needs a pair of "Chucks"

Too cute for words. :-)

Happy Halloween

We celebrated Halloween this year at home with Ed's aunt and uncle from Hawaii. It was a nice night, the weather was beautiful. We weren't able to sit on our driveway like we do every other year, but we did have alot of trick or treaters come to the door. We ended up making it an early night so we could spend more time with Lily. Eddie carved our pumpkin and I baked up the pumpkin seeds. We hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween.

3 1/2 months old and still growing...

Well its been 14 weeks and our Lilybug is growing and changing everyday. She now weighs 12.5 pounds. She is talking and smiling more and more each day. She really enjoys her bath time with daddy and she continues to sleep through the night. Her favorite toys right now are her burp cloths and her giraffe Sophie.

We have discovered that Lily has a sensitive digestive system. She is sensitive to all dairy, soy, and nuts. I have taken them all out of my diet. Its made meal time for me very interesting. I read every label. Lily is still exclusively breastfed so I'm doing what I need to. She's slowly outgrowing the colic. I would like to say for the most part it's behind us, but I've made that mistake before. Only time will tell. We are staying positive that it will end sooner then later. :-)

I've had the baby blues pretty bad lately. I finally went to the doctors to make sure I was okay mentally, the doctors and I agreed, I really just need some help with Lily. We recently hired a family friend to come and help me out a few days a week, which allows me to take a bit of a break, some me time. Lily has a hard time going to others, but we are working on this. She also won't take a bottle. It makes my job as mommy a bit intense and demanding at times. But not to worry, I'm still smiling and wouldn't have it any other way.

We have had some really awesome times with our daughter. We are looking forward to so many more. Her grandparents adore her and we are always so excited when they stop by. Its funny to think that this time last year we had just found out I was pregnant. Its been a life lesson for me in so many ways. I'm so proud of myself, my husband and our beautiful daughter. Its all been worth it. She's such a cutie pie.

Oh how time flies...

Oh how time flies when you have a baby. Its been seven and a half weeks since Lily was born. We are enjoying the ups and downs of parenthood. The first three weeks were wonderful. Lily likes to sleep and has been sleeping through the night since we brought her home. She also really likes bath time. Two traits I think she gets from me. Its been amazing being a mother, and it has been a huge change to my life. We have our good days and bad, but I try to think positive and hope eventually they will all be good days.

At around three and a half weeks old Lily started showing signs of colic, but we didn't know why. Then at around four weeks she started having acid reflux. We took her to the doctors and they put her on medication. We weren't happy about this but we knew something was wrong. After two more doctor's visits and doing my own research. I figured out that Lily was allergic to something.

In babies the big allergens are eggs, nuts, fish or dairy. Sometimes babies can have multiple allergens. I decided that I would try an elimination diet and just remove all those things from my diet and one by one I would bring them back in. So far we have figured out that she is allergic to dairy. I also think she gets this from me because I noticed a big difference in myself when I cut out all the dairy. I've been surprised to see how many things have dairy in them. Pretty much anything man made that we eat. Since Lily is exclusively breastfed making this change in my diet is important to her health and mine. :-)

Now Lily is seven and a half weeks old and each day she seems to get better. I haven't introduced eggs, nuts or fish back into my diet but I think I'm going to wait at least another week before I do. We took Lily off her medication because her acid reflux seems to have calmed down to the point that its just normal spit up. She is smiling more and does seem to be a happier baby.

Our Lily has blossomed.

On Friday July 23, 2010 at 5:47pm our beautiful daughter was born.
Lily Bernice Sears weighed 7 pounds 7 ounces and was 20 inches long.

We labored for 17 hours, it was such a wonderful experience. I did have alot of back labor but Miss Lily was determined to make an appearance. We had our immediate family members at the hospital patiently waiting for the news of Lily's birth. It was nice to know they were there to visit with me and to calm my nerves if I needed it.

I can't thank my husband enough for being such a wonderful support and encouraging person throughout the whole pregnancy, but most importantly the best support I could of had during labor. Words can't express my gratitude enough towards him.

I'm so in love with my new life as a mother, and feel that I have come into motherhood so naturally, its with such relief. I can't imagine my life without my LilyBug.

Weekly Appointment - 40 weeks

The last few nights I've been experiencing contractions, mostly back labor for me. Today we went to my 40 week doctor's visit hoping those contractions would pay off and amount to something good. Sure enough, I am now 95% efface and 3cm dilated. We are almost there, how exciting!

I am hoping in the next few days to go into labor, but there really isn't any telling sign that it will happen. Lily is officially due this Friday July 23rd so we are keeping our fingers crossed, that she will make an appearance on or before her due date.

Weekly Appointment - 39 weeks

Today we went in for our 39 week appointment. I can't believe we've made it this far. This little girl does not want to come out yet... Kinda funny to think after all we've been through. I have to say I'm still really enjoying the pregnancy. I haven't gotten to the point where "I have to have this kid out of me", but I think that's because I just have a great attitude about it all. Lily is officially due July 23, so I'm hoping sometime during this next week she'll decide to make her way into this world. I wouldn't mind meeting my daughter that's for sure, but I'm still in no rush.

Today the appointment was as good as the others. I'm 90% effaced and 1cm dilated. So we are making progress. The doctor tells me I should continue to walk, as that should help bring on labor the fastest. I'm good with assignments so lets hope that does it. I mentioned induction to her but again she really won't consider that until I'm past my due day and into my 41st week.

This morning we took another pregnancy picture. Its been a few weeks since we did but since we're nearing the end (or so I hope) we figured it was time.
- Side note: it was 7:30 am in the morning I look a bit sleepy :-)


We have another appointment scheduled for next Tuesday so we'll see how the week goes. Wish me luck!

Weekly Appointment - 38 weeks

Today I had my 38 week appointment. We got to see baby Lily as they did an ultrasound to check the size of the baby. She is still sunny side up but head is down so she is ready to go. She measured 6 pounds 10 ounces, which is in the 52ND percentile. We were very happy to hear the news. She's a healthy happy baby.

The nurse practitioner checked my vitals, everything was normal. She measured my belly and it was measuring 36 cm which is a bit small, for I am 37 1/2 weeks, but towards the end of your pregnancy you start to stop gaining weight and might even lose a few pounds. Nothing for us to be concerned with. When the nurse checked my status she told us I was 80% effaced and finger tip width dilated. We were so excited progress is being made!!! :-)

The nurse told us the signs of labor we should be aware of and what we can do to help speed things along. We will have another appointment next week if I don't go into labor before then. We'll keep everyone posted should Lily decide to bloom.

Weekly Appointments Begin - 37 weeks

Since having my cerclage removed I was hoping I'd go into labor pretty quickly but that doesn't seem to be happening. Today's appointment didn't show any signs of labor. The doctor checked my vitals and measured my belly like normal. Everything checked out perfect. On my next visit I'll be given an ultrasound to check the size of the baby and I'll be checked to see if any progress of labor has been made.

The Day I got my Cerclage Removed

Today I was admitted into the triage department of the hospital to have my cerclage (stitches) removed. We were scheduled to be there for 9:00am. My doctor was removing the stitches which was reassuring for me. We were nervous but I knew there was no turning back. I wasn't having any contractions as they were monitoring me and Lily. Lily's heartbeat was exactly where it should be. She's such a great baby already.

This time my husband got to be with me. I was happy about that. When I had to cerclage put in I had to be given a spinal and admitted to an operating room where he wasn't allowed to be with me. For the removal they did it in a private triage room. The procedure took about 10 minutes and it wasn't painful. The most uncomfortable part was the placement and use of the speculum. (Sorry if that caused some of you women a visual) I don't think its ever comfortable but when you're 9 months pregnant there seems to be more pressure down there.... Anyways, all went well.

My doctor even showed me "my miracle stitch", I know it sounds gross but I wanted to see it. I was just curious to see what helped hold my baby inside me. It looked like a really strong piece of string.

After the procedure they told me I would need to be only monitored for 20 minutes. Which was different then I had been told weeks earlier. I was planning on being there about four hours. They only wanted to monitor us for 20 minutes because my cervix was completely closed after the procedure and they just wanted to see if I was going to have any contractions. I didn't have any contractions I was just having some mild cramping and spotting. My doctor said that might last for the day but to just monitor it. If anything got worse I was to come back to the hospital.

All day I had cramps but nothing more. My husband took the day off from work to be with me which was reassuring. I was nervous that I might go into labor but by the next day all my cramping went away. Now we just play the waiting game.

My doctor did tell me that I'm officially off bed rest but I should still take it easy for a least another week. She would like to see me get to 37 weeks, which is considered full term. She did tell me that she would like me to try to move around a little more to get my strength and stamina back, which would help with the delivery process for when that happens. Just not to over do it just yet. So now we just wait and see what happens. So exciting that we made it this far together.

36 week (9 months) Doctor's Appointment

Today we had our final check up with the doctor to determine if everything is in order for the removal of my cerclage (stitches) tomorrow morning. The visit went well. My weight and blood pressure are normal so tomorrow's removal is a go. No eating after midnight in case I go into labor.

We did have an ultrasound done but only a view of her for a few seconds to determine if she's still head down. She is head down but still sunny side up. I was a little bummed to hear the news but its okay she still has time to flip.

We're very happy to make it this far with Lily and we're excited to have my cerclage removed tomorrow.

My Baby Shower Video

This is a video from my baby shower on June 5th. Tissues are optional.

Thank you Tom for putting these memories to video for me.
www.tomcarverphotography.com

Baby Shower from Tom Carver on Vimeo.

Family Photo Shoot

Since my belly photos were taken during the day my husband wasn't able to be there so we had another photo shoot at our house to get some with him in them. I was super excited about getting these done!! I just can't get enough photos. Here is just a sample of a few that we took. More to come later. Enjoy!

Belly Photo Shoot

Today was another exciting day for me. This is something I've wanted to do ever since I found out I was pregnant. I wasn't sure if I would be able to because of the bed rest but because things are going so good for me, it happened!! My mom was here for a few days so I made sure to schedule the photo shoot when she would be around. I would need help, changing clothes and positioning myself for pictures. I have no energy these days so getting up and down is sometimes difficult. We were troopers and it was hot outside but we made it happen.

A family friend took my photos. He does amazing work. If interested I will send you his contact info, just email me. He was also the same person who photographed my baby shower. (Previous post)

He had the idea of taking us to a 4 mile horseback riding trail out by my house. All I wanted was to have something done in nature, very earthy and hippy like. I just love being outside and I wanted it to represent me giving back to the earth by having this adorable little girl. Also you will see I had some daisies with me. They are my favorite flower so I wanted to incorporate them into the photos. I don't have many photos to share but here are a few. More to come later. I hope you like them.

34 week (8 1/2 month) Doctor's Appointment

Today was a busy day. My doctor's appointment was later in the afternoon and my mom was staying with us for a few days to help me get organized for Lily's arrival, so we were running errands all morning. My husband met us at my appointment, as he had to work.

This appointment was going to be one of the big ones because we were going to find out when they might remove my stitches. Since the last appointment my husband and I decided it would be best to ask to have the stitches removed on June 24th versus July 1st. We don't want Lily to come earlier then needed but we wanted to make sure the added pressure of her weight does not tear my stitches and cause me more harm then good at this point. That's the funny thing with a cerclage. They are good to use to make sure Lily stays safe and sound, but towards the end of the pregnancy, they can cause harm to the mother if things progress sooner then hoped. Or force me to have a C-section if not removed in time.

The doctor agreed that we would schedule the removal of my cerclage to take place early morning, Thursday June 24th. On my next appointment which will be June 23rd, the day before, they are going to check my cervix and stitches, measure to see how long Lily is, find out her weight, and also see her position. Since she's been sunny side up, but head down, for the last few months, I'm hoping she flips before the next appointment. If all is well then the following day we will proceed with my cerclage removal. I'm excited and a bit nervous.

There is no telling if I will go into labor that day the stitch is removed it just depends on how my cervix reacts. I'm heard stories that some women can go into labor right away and others it takes a few more weeks. Its almost as the cervix has been tied up for too long that it doesn't know it can expand like it should. The doctor is going to keep me in the hospital for a few hours after the removal of the stitches to make sure I'm not dilating. It should make for an exciting and interesting day.

My Baby Shower - Tea Parlor

Every expectant mom looks forward to their baby shower and for me it was just the same, I was excited!! Alot of planning had gone into putting this baby shower together and in the end it was exactly how I had envisioned it to be. I was nervous that at one point in this pregnancy I wouldn't get a chance to have a baby shower before Lily arrived but with my doctor's permission, it happened. I had 35 wonderful friends and family members in attendance.

My baby shower was beau-tea-ful!!

Jen and Stephanie were the hosts for the event. They did an amazing job.

My husband was there for a little while to visit with everyone.

Family members traveled far and long to join me for the shower. I was so happy to have everyone with me.



My shower was exactly what I had hoped it would be. I am truly thankful to have such wonderful and supportive friends and family members. Lily and I couldn't have gotten here without you. I hope you all enjoyed the day as much as I did.