False Alarm

A week ago Thursday (the 22nd) James and I went to the hospital because I was having contractions. They were a minute long, every five minutes and they had been happening regularly for over an hour. I was so uncomfortable by the time we got to the hospital. While they were asking me questions in triage I started crying because it hurt so much. 

At this point I was 38 weeks and 4 days, dilated to a 4. The nurse told me the hospital's policy for Moms before 39 weeks, if I didn't show progress I would be sent home. She checked me and determined that I was still a 4.  I was surprised and disappointed that all that pain seemed to be for nothing. She monitored my contractions which had increased to every two minutes. She sent us out to walk the halls to encourage my body along. Walking at this point in my pregnancy was challenging. My hips were painfully loose and my thigh muscles would spasm. Despite this pain we walked for an hour. 

A little while before midnight we returned to the exam room. I laid down and waited to be examined again. It felt so good to lay down I almost didn't notice that the contractions had stopped. The nurse checked me again, I was still at a 4 so we went home.

I felt like we were walking a walk of shame when we exited the ER. I was so disappointed and I felt bad that it was so late. We got home around 1AM. I was pretty down the rest of the weekend. I was doubting myself and my ability to discern labor. Our bodies are so weird sonetimes. 

Our first Christmas in our new house!

The Sunday before Christmas we had a family party with James' side of the family.  Santa made an appearance and this is how Min reacted:

 She was practically inconsolable.  It will be interesting to see how she responds this year when she is two. Poor kid!

This was our front room Christmas morning, I think it was perfect!  We bought an artificial Christmas tree a month earlier and realized we had only a few ornaments.  It was okay, we'll gradually add to it.

 Our presents:

 James and I traded off on opening present and taking pictures.  Mina seemed much more interested in everything than she was last year.  It has been so fun to watch her grow up!

 We gave Mina some art supplies and a doll with a stroller for Christmas.

 I guess I was more excited to open her presents than Mina.

 Mina was more interested in joining her doll in the stroller than pushing it!

 Before we headed out my Grandma and Uncle stopped by with Mina's present.

 After that we all went to my parent's house to open presents. I think Mina started to get the hang of opening presents at that point!

 After that we went to James' parent's house.  I think Mina was pretty tired at this point:

 This was Mina's haul at the end of the day:

Our families were very generous!

Mina turned one!

Last year.  And I'm just NOW taking the time to post a few pictures.  It's hard to believe the time has passed so fast.  She has been in nursery for a few months now and she is closer to two than one!

I kept the decorations simple, I made some tissue paper pom poms and some paper banners. It was nice to be able to enjoy the Sunday and not feel totally awful and rushed.

James' parents bought Mina an adorable lady bug outfit for her birthday.  Even though it was long sleeved she didn't get too hot in it.  I was worried.

 We ate Cafe Rio style sweet pork in the crock pot and provided plenty of options for either salads or tacos.  I just wanted the day to be easy and a crock pot main course fit the bill.

 Mina opened her presents after we ate dinner.  She seemed kind of overwhelmed.

James' mom, Melanie, made Mina's adorable cake from a sketch I gave her.  She is so unbelieveably talented! Not only was the cake incredibly cute, but it was delicious as well! 

  I made a small "smash cake" for Mina.  It was banana flavored so it was "healthier." I made the mistake of putting it in the fridge so it was pretty solid when she tried to eat it!

Even though it was over eight months ago, we are still so grateful to our families that attended.  Mina got spoiled!

Dear son,

If I have had one regret during this pregnancy it would be that I didn't write more. When I was pregnant with Mina I wrote in my journal and then wrote on this blog. I haven't adjusted very well to this phase of life in regards to journaling. 

The two sets of ultrasound pictures are from seven weeks along and fifteen weeks. It is hard to believe that now, 31 weeks along, we are in the home stretch. 

I hadn't realized before that I have not one but TWO pictures of the baby's foot. The most recent was earlier this month at  28 weeks. Time has passed by so fast. 

We still have a lot to do and buy. It will happen and everything will work out. It always seems to in some way. 

Kind of old news...

About a month and a half after Mina's birthday I wasn't feeling like my old self. I was tired, emotional and kind of ill. 

So I took a test

and three weeks after that I went to the doctor. 

I was pleasantly surprised to find out I was 7 weeks along with a due date of June 1st!

I'm now 13 weeks along. I have another appointment in 2 weeks, we'll have another ultrasound and get an updated picture. Plus, if all goes well, we will find out if our little baby to be is a girl or a boy. 

I've been really tired this time around.  Although I haven't thrown up nearly as much as I almost feel worse. Plus, I have to eat ALL THE TIME and nothing sounds appealing! All the discomforts aside, I'm really grateful that our family is growing. We have a lot to be thankful for not only during this holiday season but all year long. 

Initially I was going to announce on Facebook this week but I think I'm going to wait until we have our next ultrasound. Thanks for keeping it under wraps, I feel like we have the worst kept secret! 

Mina turned one!

Two months ago. 

Where has the time gone?

Eventually I'll upload some pictures from my camera on to the computer. 

It's hard to believe she is 14 months old. 4 more months and then she is in NURSERY! Holy cow!

The time goes by so fast. We sure love our little girl!

11 Months!

Mina turned one today and I realized I have really slacked on this whole monthly update thing. Here are some pictures I took when she was 11 months old.

She was NOT interested in posing for a picture.

 I tried distracting her with a mirror but she was more interested in eating it.

 Or holding it up so I could see it.

 Then she tried to eat the camera.

 It was all very funny.

 Then she walked away.

This adorable little romper is the same design as the romper she wore home from the hospital.

I was lucky enough to receive two versions, one in newborn size and another in 9 month size.

It all goes by way too fast.