A year old!

For some reason my last 2 months (10 & 11) didn't post. When I tried to post the drafts again today, they were deleted :( Oh well, on to 12 months! (a little late)

Ally turned one November 30th!

She is standing on her own but not quite walking. She is saying many things (dad, momma, Gage, Cady, book, ball, uh-oh, bye-bye, and lots of other cute words). She was sick a couple of months ago so I let her sleep with me so I could watch her better (big mistake) so now she sleeps with mommy and daddy. I guess I can handle it for a little while longer :) I love to cuddle with this sweet baby.

After a fun experience with cheese cake, we found out Ally is allergic to peanuts and eggs. We had a small birthday party Sunday after church. Nana made an egg-less yummy chocolate cake.

Her one month checkup was good as usual. She weighs 20 lbs (all though I think their scale is off a couple of lbs). When we took her to the allergist, she weighed 23. She's moving along, no problems.

9 Months

Ally is 9 months old today. She had her check up this morning and is doing great.

She is in the 95 percentile for weight, height, and head circumference. She began crawling this week & is in to everything.

She's out of her baby bath and takes a big girl bath.

She is a really good eater, we've started giving her a few table foods (guacamole, carrots, potatoes, bread, & her new favorite, Nilla Wafers). 

She still only says dada unless she's repeating what we are trying to get her to say. She's a very happy, easy-going baby. 

8 Months

Ally's 8 months old today!

A few new things:

Ally has not learned to roll from her stomach to her back but she has figured out how to go from sitting to laying down on her tummy. She slides backwards to get around, it's cute. 

She says dada all the time but is starting to make other noises. She can say her name and Gage & Cady after hearing me say it a few times. She still only says momma when she's hurt or fussy. I'll take it. 

Whenever someone talks to her, Ally acts shy now and burrows her head in my chest.

I miss the nights when she slept so well, I guess it's teething that's making her wake every few hours. She has her 2 bottom teeth now. Even with the not sleeping all night, she's still my sweet baby (just a little fussy). 

She has started to dance and it is so cute. She basically rocks back and forth while sitting. 

*I can't help but think back to when I found out I was pregnant, I was so worried and felt horrible because of what could have happened to Ally because of the medicine I was taking. I kept thinking about what one of my doctor's told me: "If you become pregnant, by the time you find out the baby will probably be dead. If not, there will almost certainly be severe birth defects". This doctor wanted me to have a hysterectomy so that I wouldn't get pregnant, she said it was selfish to my other 2 children to put myself at risk. 

Things could have gone badly, I could have had a miscarriage or a baby with health problems. I could have even had clotting problems. God is still God, and we would have praised Him whatever the outcome was. We would have loved our baby just as much, whatever the challenges. But God was gracious and allowed us to have a living, completely healthy baby. He has blessed us with so much throughout our lives, having Ally has been an amazing addition to our family. I cannot imagine life without her and am glad that I did not give in to the pressure of that 1 doctor. While I appreciate doctors and heed most of their warnings when it comes to my health, I didn't feel that this particular advice was right for me. Doctors are not always correct, and even when they are, our children are a blessing, not a choice of circumstance and convenience. They are worth the risk & I'm glad I was able to take it with a positive outcome. 

Side Note

Happy Birthday to my niece who was born today.

7 lbs 19" 

I hope she & Ally will be the best of friends! 

7 Months

Ally was 7 months old Sunday. We were able to take a family vacation to GA & TN this week. Ally was wonderful and we all had a great time. We rented a cabin on a small lake in GA and were able to fish in the evenings. We drove to Chattanooga and visited Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Aquarium. While at the aquarium, we took a 2 hour boat ride on the Tennessee River. On the way home we stopped by Noccalula Falls in AL. All in all it was a busy but fun week. 

Ally's first real word (one she understands) is dada. She loves saying it and we love hearing it (especially her dada). She finally has 2 visible teeth on the bottom. They haven't broken the skin, but they're there! She is sitting up on her own pretty well. I have to sit her up and she eventually falls over, but she's doing great. No rolling from stomach to back or crawling yet. 

My last day working at FDR was June 28th. I'm so excited I get to focus on my kiddos for a while. Maybe we can work on rolling over and crawling this summer :)

6 Months!

Ally is 6 months old and is happy and healthy as usual. She really is such a good baby. I've been working from home since a week or 2 before I found out I was pregnant but have decided to quit my job so that I can focus on the kiddos. It's just become too stressful to work and take care of my babies. Ally's next checkup is next week. I'm excited to see how much she weighs and what mile stones to expect. Tomorrow is Shannon B.'s baby shower! The girls and I are so happy to celebrate the upcoming birth of Peyton. We can't wait to meet her and see how her big brother Avery reacts. Gage graduated 5th grade last week. He received awards for art, a/b honor roll all year, and he also received the president's award. We're so proud of him! Cady finished up 1st grade and is so ready for 2nd. Where has the time gone? We're so blessed to have our amazing family. 

5 Months & Rolling

Ally is 5 months old today! Time is flying by. She finally rolled over this morning, it made her a very happy baby.

Her last doctor's visit was the 22nd, she had a little cold and ear infection. She weighs 16.8 pounds! Big girl!

Last Friday, we went to the kid's Field Day at their school. Ally was so good. She never cried and we were there for a few hours.

All in all, Ally is doing great. she's such a good baby. God keeps blessing this family!

4 Months

Happy Baby waiting for lunch

Ally is now 4 months old and is as cute and as sweet and she can be. I took her to the doctor today and she had 5 immunizations and is doing well. She weighs 15 pounds (90%), is 25.5" (90%) and her head circumference is 17 1/4 (95%). Eczema is the only issue we are dealing with now, Ally's entire body is covered with rashes so the doctor prescribed a steroid ointment. Her next appt is for her 6 month check up.

We started rice and oatmeal cereal a few weeks ago and have started fruits now (first, apple sauce, then bananas). The girl knows how to eat & loves her baby food so far. Ally's not rolling over yet, but does like to sit up (and try to sit up on her own). She laughs and "coo's" all the time now-she's a very happy baby. She sleeps from 9-6 most nights (amazing). Now I'm just waiting for her to say momma (although, she'll probably say dadda or Gage first). :o)

God has blessed us!


4 Month Check-up

Easter

1st Build-a-bear

Easter



Bananas!

3 Months

Ally is 3 months old now and is doing great. She's getting so big! Today my mom made her laugh, her first laugh, at the warehouse; it was adorable. I then picked up my phone and recorded her doing it again...

She sleeps through the night for the most part now; it's so nice. She coos and "talks" more often which is adorable. This weekend we are starting her on baby cereal. She stays hungry all day so I think she is ready for it.

Ally's Aunt Shannon B. found out she is having a girl! Now Ally will have a buddy & someone to give her clothes to :) She's outgrowing everything so quickly. As soon as things settle down around here (yeah right), I will start making some things for baby B who is due in July. Here are 2 dresses I made for Ally over the last couple of weeks:

2 1/2 Months

I haven't posted in a few weeks so I thought I would now. My plan was to post something at least every month of her first year but life is busy with 3 kids.Here's a few first's:

1st Real Bath

1st Doctor's Visit

1st Christmas

1st Sunday at the new NCBC 01-27-13

Christmas as a Fam of 5

1 Month Old

2 Months Old

So much has happened during the last 2 months. Ally is still as healthy as she can be. She did develop some ezcema and craddle cap (just like Gage & Cady did) but Aquaphor & Selsun Blue are helping tremendously. Danny & I started putting her in her crib in her room once she turned 1 month old. This was a big deal for me, as Gage and Cady slept with us for way too long when they were little (like 4-5 years). Sleeping in her own room actually has helped her become a better sleeper during the night-who knew!? Until recently, her schedule was up at 12:30, then 2:30 or 3, then 4:30 or 5 and then she was up for the day. Now, its up at 12:30 or 1 OR 3:30 or 4 and then up for the day around 5 or 6. Not too bad. I'll take it!

The terrible drooling started this week (don't know if she's teething or just being like big sis was as a baby). Ally's made it through most of the winter without getting sick (yay!). She did have an upset stomach the other day, but no fever or colds or anything like that. Cady on the other hand has had a runny nose and cough since Ally was born. Gage has not been sick at all, which is great because he's my big helper. He loves to hold Ally.

Ally's last pediatric appointment was around 7 weeks. She had 4 injections and one liquid (taken by mouth) immunization. She did great, there were some tears but she was fine by the time we left the doctor's office. Her next appt is supposed to be around 4 months & there will be more immunizations. Hopefully I'll have a post between now and then.

Another first is coming up... a trip to Chuck E. Cheese for Cady's 7th birthday! Oh vey!

2 Weeks Old

Allyson is 2 weeks old now. She is doing great. We've had a busy/scary week. Saturday night I was taken to the hospital (they should know me by name & have a room reserved for me by now). I had to have an emergency D&C (dilation and curettage). It was not fun. While the doctor was trying to avoid having to do the D&C, I was in so much pain they gave me four doses of morphine and it didn't help at all. After seeing that there were just too many clots they decided to send me to the OR for the procedure. My blood was too thin so I couldn't have an epidural so they had to put me under with general anesthesia. The procedure only took about 30 minutes but I was out of it until Monday morning. My eyes were a little swollen and I felt like I had not slept for days. I am fine now and am hoping that was the last of the hospital I will see. Danny has been a life-saver. He has taken care of the kids while I was in the hospital (and while I am at home too & he's taking care of me too).

Allyson's next pediatric appointment is Monday. Part of her umbilical cord came off today (or in the middle of the night, I didn't discover it until this morning). She eats like crazy so I am curious to see how much weight, if any, she has gained. She only woke up once last night, it was wonderful sleeping for more than a couple of hours at a time.

Allyson visiting me in the hospital Sunday afternoon.

1 Week Old

Baby Allyson is here! She was born November 30, at 7:46 PM. She weighed 7 lbs 15.2 oz and was 19 3/4" long. She's beautiful and healthy!

We were supposed to be admitted to the hospital that Friday morning at 8 AM but sat in the waiting room until about 10:30 and then were admitted. I was given pitocin to induce labor around 1 or 1:30, my water broke around 5, and then I was given the epidural around 5:30. Once I was ready, it only took 2 or 3 contractions & then Allyson was born. There were no complications during delivery; I couldn't have asked for a smoother labor (I had some pain of course, but no probs). Allyson has no health problems. Mommy is fine too. I am back on coumadin (no more injections!) :)

We've been spending this first week together at home. It has been wonderful. Allyson hasn't had any problems feeding or sleeping. She really is a good baby. God has blessed us! We are looking forward to what God has planned for our family and this beautiful baby girl.

37 Weeks

Yesterday was 37 weeks (we're full term now). Last Friday (9th) I was admitted to the hospital to begin the process of switching from Lovenox to Heparin. I was there until Tuesday night (longest 5 days of my life)! No problems! Baby Allyson was monitored the entire time and she is doing great. A couple of weeks ago, my fluid measured a little on the high side so they've been measuring it each week to make sure everything's fine. Every time since then, each ultrasound has shown normal fluid. Thursday, we saw the doctor for our regular appt and my blood work came back showing my PTT (from blood thinner) was 31 (it should be between 70-125). They upped my dose of Heparin a little (from .85 ml to 1) and will check my blood again Monday to make sure amounts are therapeutic (where they should be). My 30th birthday was Thursday too. What an exciting week it has been. I've had several Braxton Hick's contractions and the pressure on my hips and lower stomach is so much that it hurts for me to lift my legs (walking, getting in and out of the car are so fun now). I do waddle now :) Thankfully, the kids are out of school all next week for Thanksgiving so my walking around and driving should be minimal, giving me plenty of time to rest. It hasn't been scheduled, but the nurse said I should be induced around November 30th (right at 39 weeks). It's almost time!

36 Weeks

We had our 36 week check up today. My blood sugar levels were good so no changes there. Allyson has a good strong heart beat. The doctor said last week's ultrasound showed above-normal fluid levels so I have to have an ultrasound each week to keep an eye on it. Today's ultrasound was supposed to show at least 3 movements and Allyson "practice breathing" for at least 15 seconds. She moved plenty but did not breath so I had to have a non-stress test for 20 minutes to make sure she is ok. After 4 or 5 contractions that were 6 minutes apart, the doctor said Allyson passed the test. She had no problems during the contractions and her heart rate elevated as it should during them. We set up our appt for next week (my 30th burfday). Tomorrow I am supposed to be admitted to the hospital to switch over to Heparin but the nurse said that they are unusually full and may not have a room for me. I have to call before we leave in the morning to make sure they will admit me. The suspense!

35 Week Appt

We had our 35 week appt today. Allyson is healthy and weighs about 6.2 lbs. Doesn't she look just like Gage and Cady? My sugar levels have been low, doctor says that's great. Our next appt is Nov. 8th, we'll be going every week from now on. I have to be admitted to UAB the following Friday so they can switch me from Lovenox to Heparin. I will be put on a drip. It will take at least 24 hours to figure out the correct amount of Heparin that I need to take and then another 24 hours on that amount to make sure it's correct. The doctor said to expect 48-72 hours in the hospital, best case scenario, but it can take up to a week to get it right! That was supposed to be my weekend to finish getting everything ready for Ally. I guess I'll do as much as I can before next Friday. I thank God for 2 awesome grandmothers that are close and willing to help Danny with the kiddos. Hopefully I will have good news after my little stay in the hospital and will be able to have that lovely epidural :)

34 Weeks

I'm 34 weeks now. Our most recent appointment was October 17th. Since I failed my glucose screening, I met with the nutritionist & I have to test my glucose levels 4 times a day now (no fun). I have been managing my glucose with my diet (have had a couple of times where glucose was a little high, but not too high). I haven't gained any weight in the last few weeks so this diet is helping with that (I have gained 35 pounds throughout this pregnancy though). We also met with the anesthesiologist. He said that as long as I am taking two doses of Heparin (instead of 3), I should be allowed to have an epidural when I go into labor. If the amount I have to take is more, no epidural (please pray for an epidural). I am at a high risk of having a hematoma if I get an epidural while being heavily anti-coagulated. I'm already nervous about labor (even though I've been through it before), so not being able to manage the pain would probably make me a nervous wreck. We should find out this week or next how much Heparin I will be taking (supposed to start it at 36 weeks). I have started to have Braxton Hicks contractions last Saturday night. I don't remember having them with my first two pregnancies so they caught me off guard. It's only happened a few times since. My next doctor's appointment is this Thursday (Nov 1).

My mom and sisters are throwing a baby shower for me this Sunday. I'm used to planning baby showers and birthday parties for others, it's wonderful not having to stress about it or get my house super-clean for everyone (I don't think my swollen ankles would allow much cleaning). I'm looking forward to it! I've heard rumors of pumpkin pie.

29 Weeks & Counting

This Saturday will make 29 weeks. Where has the time gone? I can't believe baby girl will be here in 10 weeks! Speaking of "baby girl", her name is Allyson Raelee. We just like the name Allyson and Rae is my mom's middle name, Lee is Danny's. Our last appointment was September 17th and I failed the 3 hour glucose screening. I go back October 4th to meet with the nutritionist at the hospital and get a handy dandy glucose meter so that I can check my sugar levels every morning. So, to date, I have to inject Lovenox twice daily, take calcium/vitamin D twice daily, take iron twice daily, and take prenatal vitamins. I'm amazed I remember all of those each day. Now I get to add a new activity to my routine...

Gage's birthday is tomorrow :) The boy will be 11! He has been such a good sport throughout this pregnancy. He was kicked out of his room and it was given to Cady. Cady's room was turned into the nursery. Hopefully, Gage's room will be complete in the next couple of weeks so he can have his own space again. I have started a few of Ally's nursery items:

Bumper Pads & Bed Skirt

I didn't make any of this, it's just cute :)

Paci Clip

Valance

Matching Glider and Chair Cushions

Diaper Bag, Changing Pad. & Diaper Holder

I still have to make her quilt and art work for her walls (I will post a pic of Shanny's artwork once I hang them on the wall). Then, maybe I will have a day or two to rest and wait for baby girl to make her grand appearance.