Tuesday, December 28, 2010

WE DID IT...

We got Ally's ear's pierced. A few people were telling us not to but we did it anyway. I never had mine done when I was little and it scarred me.. I was 23 years old and still hadn't had them done because I was too scared. What girl doesn't want their ear pierced? We did it now while she is young so she wouldn't mess with them while they were healing and so far, they have been perfect. She looks so cute with them! I have zero regrets! : )





Halloween 2010

Halloween! Ally girl was a bumble bee which was sooo cute! We went over to Shane's dad's house and hung out there for a while. We went trick-or-treating with Sarah and Cristine. Ally slept the whole time in my arms. It was pretty uneventful which was nice. I can't WAIT for next year when she's older! I'm already thinking of what she's going to dress up as!







Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Our Baby Girl is 8 Weeks Old!


All I can say right now is... WOW! Yesterday was Ally's 8 week birthday. I have no clue where the past 8 weeks have gone. It has been such a whirlwind of ups and downs. The night we came home from the hospital, we were utterly exhausted. We hadn't slept at the hospital at all and though we were happy to be home, we were terrified. No nurses to help us anymore...

The first couple of days were extremely rough. I actually thought I may have had PPD because I wasn't feeling as much joy as I thought I should. Things got a bit easier after that so I'm assuming it was just lack of sleep that was causing my mood.

Things are much better these days! Though Ally doesn't exactly have a "schedule", I'm actually getting a little bit of sleep. I have to go back to work in 3 days and am kind of dreading it. Though I'll be happy to have some adult conversations throughout the day (my first graders are considered adults since they can talk back to me), I have no idea how I'm going to juggle working full time and taking care of Ally. Shane is great and I know he'll do his part but I know it's still going to be rough.. at least for a little while.

We have reached a few milestones! Though we have yet to experience the REAL giggling smile, we do get smiles from her for the past week or so. She is doing very well with Tummy Time and while holding her, she is able to hold her head up for a good 20-30 seconds. She has definitely put on some weight (Shane calls her his holiday ham, haha) but I won't know for sure how much until the 18th when we go in for her next appointment. She is sleeping longer during the nights and staying awake longer in the days, which makes Mommy very happy! She had transitioned into her crib in her own room for about a week but Mommy quickly realized she wasn't ready for that so she is back in our room, probably until she is 6 months or so or until she grows out of her bassinet, whichever comes first.

Our baby girl is such a blessing and we couldn't be happier! Can't wait to watch her grow up (not too quickly please!)


Monday, August 23, 2010

Ally's Birth Story

Shane and I arrived at the hospital at 3:30pm on August 12, 2010. My mom met us there and they took us to the room where I would be getting all of my pre-op stuff done which is also the same room I would recover in after the surgery. I was so nervous. I had never been through anything like this before and though I'd seen countless Baby Stories, it felt completely different happening to me. Once I got into the yucky hospital gown, the nurse took my vitals and put in the dreaded IV. I was hoping they'd give me a sedative before the IV but no such luck, haha! Turns out it wasn't that bad; the nurse got it in the first try thank goodness. By then it was about 4:30 and we still had an entire hour to wait for Dr. Swainston to arrive. I was going crazy but luckily my mom was there, as was our friend Mike to keep me sane.

Though I thought that would be the longest hour of my life, it actually went pretty fast. By that time, everyone else had arrived that was going to be there and the nurse came in to say it was time. I kissed everyone goodbye and walked down to the OR. Shane had to wait outside while the anesthesiologist put the spinal block in. It's true what they say... it HURTS! I had a great anesthesiologist though and he kept me calm. About a minute after I laid down on the table, I felt like I was going to vomit. The anesthesiologist ran to get something for me to throw up in and I did. It wasn't my most defining moment, that's for sure! He said it was completely normal and it should subside in just a minute. What a smart man! It did just what he said and I felt fine. Shane was allowed back in after they put the sheet up so we couldn't see what was happening. Boy were we nervous! I was actually more nervous for Shane. I was praying he wouldn't pass out. He did much better than I thought.

My friend Shannan, who works for Dr. Swainston, always talked about a "playlist" that he uses during his surgeries. He is such a character! The first song we heard was "I've Got You Under My Skin" by Frank Sinatra, which happens to be my FAVORITE Sinatra song. Then we heard "All American Girl" by Carrie Underwood which was very appropriate. And somewhere in there was "Breathe" by Faith Hill. See, I told you he was a character! By that time, I heard the anesthesiologist say it was almost time and told Shane to get the camera ready. I couldn't believe this was the moment I was going to meet the baby we've been waiting for, for what seems like an eternity. Just then, I heard Dr. Swainston say, "Nuchal cord times three and body times one". This meant the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck 3 times and around her body once. Holy crap! That made me so nervous however just as quickly as I heard that, Dr. Swainston showed her face over the sheet so we could see her (I think she looked me right in the eyes but I can't be sure) and she was whisked away to the other side of the room to be examined and Shane went with her. As I was being "put back together", I had a million emotions running through me. I couldn't put my finger on a specific one. It was the most surreal moment of my life.

There was a reason our precious baby did not flip from the breech position; she couldn't! The cord made it impossible for her to move. Dr. Swainston said if we would have tried to manually flip her (called an External Cephalic Version), it probably would have killed her. Thank God I declined to do it. And if I would have tried a vaginal delivery, it would have ended in an emergency c-section. We dodged quite a few bullets and feel so blessed that she is happy and healthy.

It almost felt too good to be true. She had zero complications... no breathing problems, no jaundice, no eating issues, nothing! Not only that, but my c-section went so smoothly and I recovered very quickly with minimal pain. The next day and a half was a whirl-wind of visitors coming and going from our hospital room as well as doctors and nurses galore. I honestly have moments I can't remember because I was so tired. Both Shane and I were completely exhausted and just wanted to be home. Luckily, we were released 48 hours after the surgery (typical c-section stay is 3-5 days) because we were both doing so well. And so begins our incredible journey as parents of this unbelievably amazing person.

Presenting Ally Marie Koehler, born August 12, 2010 at 5:59pm weighing 6lbs even, 18.5 inches long:

The amazing Dr. Swainston <3























Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Latest Happenings...

On July 29th, I went to my OB appointment and when I got there, I had my blood pressure taken like normal. It was elevated which it never has been before. When I saw my doctor, he seemed concerned with it and sent me to the hospital to be monitored. Shane and I were pretty scared at that point because my doctor told us that if my blood pressure didn't drop, he would have to give me a c-section that day! After an hour of monitoring, everything was normal so I was sent home. HOWEVER, he put me on strict bed rest. This wouldn't be such a bad thing but I only had 4 and a half school days left. I was still finishing up things for my maternity leave and had a bunch of fun things planned for the end of the school year. My doctor knows what's best for me and my angel so bed rest it was.

The day after my appointment, I had come to terms with the fact that a random substitute would be sending my kids off to second grade. I wasn't happy about it, but I didn't really have a choice in the matter. The following day, I checked my blood pressure at home and it was way up again (160/110). I got worried and had Shane take me back to the hospital to be monitored. After 3 hours, everything looked normal and they sent me home.

I had a doctor's appointment 5 days later. I talked to my doctor about scheduling a c-section because she was still breech and I honestly didn't think she was going to flip. He finally decided to schedule it considering my elevated blood pressure and her being breech! August 12, 2010 @ 5:30pm! That's when I'm meeting my baby!!! It is only 7 days away! Unreal!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Nursery Time!

As my due date rapidly approaches (she could be here in as little as 4 weeks!), we're working like busy bees to finish the nursery. With it ALMOST done, I thought I'd post our progress! I believe the only thing we still need to add is the rocking chair (which will go in place of the Pack and Play which will be moving into our bedroom), the rug that matches the set, a small table to go next to the crib, and the lamp that matches the set. I'm still looking for some kind of simple border to go along the top of the walls but have been very unsuccessful. Obviously not something that needs to be done ASAP. Anyway, here it is so far!












































































Sunday, June 27, 2010

Baby, Baby, Baby Shower!

What a wonderful day! Being able to share our upcoming arrival with my closest friends and family was magical! I just want to thank everyone who was able to come yesterday and let you know that each of you individually made the day so special. A special thanks to my mom and sister-in-law Sarah for helping put everything together! Couldn't have done it without you two! I LOVE YOU BOTH!

The gorgeous diaper cake my grandma made
















Custom cake from Shannan (it was delicious!)
















Yummy!

Wowza!
















Look at all that loot! : )
















Me and Becca

Me, Michelle, and April

















Shannan and Nicole


Lindsay, Aubrey, and Ariana

















Melissa and Melissa : )

















Fran and Linda

















Getting ready for the games

Go Kim!

















Workin' hard!
















Mom handing out game prizes

And the present opening begins...


































Saturday, June 12, 2010

Baby's First Image

Yesterday was the big ultrasound day! I have been looking forward to this day for a long time! They say the best time to have the 3D/4D ultrasounds done is between 27-32 weeks so I thought it would be perfect as I hit the 29 week mark yesterday! Oh my gosh! 29 weeks! I only have 11 weeks (or less) to go!?!?! Ahhh!

We were originally planning on going to this place called Miracle in Progress but when I called them, they informed me that they were closing... on Saturday. Great. They were nice enough to refer me to another place called Baby's First Image which actually turned out to be closer to my house so yay! The ultrasound room was decorated so nicely and there was soft music playing in the background and I got to lay on a really comfy bed! The lady who performed the ultrasound was really nice. First she did Ally's measurements and everything was measuring normal. She weighs 3 pounds now! WoW! Hard for me to believe that! We got a total of about 70 pictures and about 15 minutes of video.

Ally was very active during the entire ultrasound and did really well for the first 10 minutes or so, until she decided to stick her fingers/hand in her mouth and wouldn't take it out for anything which spoiled most of the rest of the pictures. The images were distorted with her hand/arm in the way. We were lucky to get a few good ones though! Maria, the tech, said she definitely has a prominent nose (which you will see shortly; it totally looks like Shane's nose)! How exciting!

I know what it's like to have your parents' features because I look a lot like both of my parents, but Shane, being adopted, has no idea what it's like so I think this is extra special for him. I'm so glad I'm able to share this with him. Sometimes I feel more happy for him that we're having a baby than for me. I'm so excited he gets to understand that bond and I think he's going to be the best dad.

Without further ado, here she is! I'm not going to bore you with 70 pictures on here so I chose the best. (As soon as I figure out how to add video, I'll add that too.)



Her eyes were open for a lot of the ultrasound! She looks mad!

















She's smiling!













Good picture of her foot.













Yawning!












She look so innocent here.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Nursery Furniture

We ordered Ally's furniture today! The good news? It's beautiful! The bad news? It's not in stock and could take 6-8 weeks to get in... I love it because we got it at this place called Dagerman's and they are the only store in town that carries it, which makes it rare and special (just like my baby Ally). I'm so hoping it doesn't take as long as they said because that would bring us to the beginning of August! And if you have read my previous blogs, you know how OCD I am and how I want everything to be done ASAP. So let's keep out fingers crossed for a speedy delivery!

Here's a picture of what the furniture looks like. We only ordered the crib and the dresser (without the hutch).

SAHM

I'm sure every mother at one point or another dreams of being a SAHM (stay at home mom.) It is definitely a dream of mine. It WAS definitely a dream of mine... until that dream came crashing down into little pieces. When I found out that Ally was due at the end of August, I thought it couldn't be any more perfect! I would be able to work through the rest of the school year and end my contract honorably. Then I would take the next school year off (at least) to be home to take care of my baby.

All of that was before my husband's job decided to slow down dramatically. He's not making nearly as much as he was this time last year and in all honesty, we probably cannot afford for me to be taking time off right now. I couldn't be more upset about this. I can't image another person practically raising what could possibly be our only child. Not only that, but we know NO ONE that could even be that person. Which means we will be relying on a stranger to take care of our most precious gift. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.

However, I do live in the real world and I know you don't always get what you want. I just wish I could have what I want this time! Because I'm a first year teacher, there was a good chance I was going to get riffed (taken out of my current position because of the budget cuts) but as of today it looks like that isn't going to happen. On one hand, I'm thankful I'm able to keep my job and that my principal wants me there. On the other hand, I'm not exactly sure that where I am is where I belong. Don't get me wrong, everyone at my school has been AMAZING and I feel so lucky to have the help and support (and friends) there. Because most of my students are ELL (English Language Learners) it is a difficult task and sometimes I feel like I don't have what it takes to help these children. With things the way they are in the district, I unfortunately don't have the luxury of just "finding a new job". So as it stands, I will work through the rest of this school year (my last day being August 5th). When school resumes, that will begin my 6 weeks maternity leave or 8 weeks if I have to have a c-section.

I have to try to look at the bright side; I will have the entire summer off and my hours are pretty good. My friend Shannan also mentioned that because I'm working, that's more shopping I can do for her! F-U-N! And who knows?? Maybe by next year Shane will be busier at work and I can take time off then. I'm so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful family and friends that I know I'll be able to get through this.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Enough Already!

If I have to hear from ONE MORE person how MISERABLE I'm going to be in the summer during my third trimester, I'm going to S-C-R-E-A-M!



.......................That is all.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

6 Month Appointment

Yay for a successful doctors appointment today! Ally is measuring right on target at 1 pound, 8 ounce! I can actually breath for a while knowing that she is okay! She also showed herself for the first time today in 3D! It was so amazing to see her face! The image isn't perfect because I'm still pretty early on for 3D pictures. The technician said in about a month the pictures will turn out a lot better because there will be more fluid which helps produce the pictures. Nonetheless, it's still my baby girl! <3 I'm so in love!


My mom is taking me to a 3D specialty place in a few weeks and they will do an hour long session where we will get video too. I'm super excited for that! The images should be much clearer! Yipee! On a different note, my baby shower invitations will be here tomorrow and they should be going out by the end of this month! The baby shower is June 26th! Also, Ally's crib bedding was ordered on Sunday and should be here by the end of the week! Things are starting to come together! Here's the link to the nursery theme:

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Pregnancy. A Rant.

So it's been a little while since I've posted but only because there hasn't been anything significant happening lately. I am currently 5 and a half months pregnant and yes, I'm about to vent. You've been warned...

I thought that when this day finally came and I got what I've wanted for so long, I would enjoy every second of it. That being said, it couldn't be farther from the truth. I'm already starting to feel uncomfortable in my daily activities, i.e.: walking, bending over, sleeping, being awake... haha. I'm having pains I never new existed, sleep deprivation which I've never experienced, and anxiety like nothing I've ever known.

I know what you're thinking... "GIRL, you just WAIT until your baby is here!" Okay, okay! I get it! I know I'm not going to be sleeping, I know I'm going to be worried all the time, but that time is not right now. Right now, I'm dealing with these pregnancy issues and I'd appreciate it if you'd just let me be cranky! Thanks! : )

I know that the moment Ally arrives, our lives are going to instantly change forever. I know we're going to experience a love that we didn't even know was possible and I want that so badly! I just want it to be here now! Though I feel like I'm emotionally ready, I am no where NEAR physically ready. Thanks to my amazing sister-in-law, Sarah, we have a good start on baby stuff but we have a long, long way to go. With 3 and a half months to go, I have less time in front of me than behind me which is... SCARY! I know the baby shower will be a huge help, but I'm a planner (almost at an OCD level) and I feel like everything needs to be done NOW, hence my anxiety!

On a different note, I had my 20 week ultrasound 2 weeks ago and everything looked good. She is measuring 2 days behind but that is normal according to my doctor. The doctor said she'd probably be a 6 or 7 pounder. Don't even think about joining the baby pool now that you know that bit of information! I go back on May 11th because when the tech was doing my ultrasound, Ally decided to face towards my back and she wouldn't turn over for anything. We didn't even get to see her face or more importantly for the anatomy scan, her heart. So wish us luck on the 11th! Hopefully she's not being stubborn and will show us what we need (and want!)

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Before I Was a Mom...

I received this poem from my mother-in-law and I had to share it.


Before I was a Mom

Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on,
Pooped on,
Chewed on,
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body...
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment,
or the satisfaction of being a Mom ...
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom.

- Author Unknown

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Holy Babies'R'Us!


I finally registered for my baby shower yesterday. I say "finally" because all of the women on my pregnancy forum have been done for weeks. I have no idea why because their showers will be around the same time as mine (end of June) and I felt out of the loop. Apparently everyone wants to be ahead of the game. Usually I'm one of those people but because I have no idea what I'm doing, it's taking me a while to get motivated. Plus I've been on Spring Break for a week and have gotten absolutely nothing accomplished.

That being said, I feel so relieved! Not that I've actually purchased anything but just getting an idea of what I need is calming. I registered at Babies'R'Us online because going into that store right now makes me anxious. There are thousands and thousands of items and it's so overwhelming.

After a review by Shannan and my mom, I think I have everything covered! Here's the problem... I need so much stuff! And I'm not talking the diaper genie, bottle warmer, bottle sterilizer, baby wipe warmer... I'm talking about the basic necessities! I'm hoping that the people attending the baby shower will not ignore the registry just to buy "cute newborn outfits" that Ally will probably be able to wear once and grow out of... Maybe I could put something on the invitation like, "necessities only".... No?

Speaking of "cute newborn outfits", my sister-in-law came over the other day with some really cute outfits for Ally! Note: these outfits are NOT newborn because she is a smart cookie!

























So cute, right?!?! She is going to be the BEST Auntie ever! Sorry about the pictures... I was taking them quick on my phone to show my mom and was too lazy to take better ones. Also, I have NO idea why the layout of the pictures is so messed up but I can't figure out how to fix them... Why is blogger being so difficult today??

If you want to take a peek at my registry, here's the link: (If you notice something I'm missing, send me a comment! Thanks!)

http://www.toysrus.com/registry/search/index.jsp?_flowExecutionKey=_cD8CB1A9A-FA71-9940-7A7A-5C3D7C6FB9F5_k23A9FA1D-F19A-5716-CE41-17E883BD2582&overrideStore=TRUS