Septoberfest and a Little Announcement

{14 1/2 months and going way too fast}

The babbling has become very conversational lately, and I often feel like I'm holding a conversation with you, though you're saying nothing coherent. Your repertoire of actual words has grown to include ball, baby, bo (you adorably call all dogs "bobo"s), up, mia, bumpa, go, and juice. There are probably more, but those are fairly consistent. We're working on please and thank you.  ;)

And since we're on the subject of talking, your most favorite expression of excitement right now is the gleeful squeal. Though I am quite certain anyone who is not related to you would call it overkill, you like to let loose a short, piercing shriek when greeting your friends, playing with Hannah, and pretty much any time you're excessively psyched. I think it's perfectly delightful that you and Jake exchange quick scream-greetings when I drop you off, but since it also sometimes incites the other kids to screech and shout, I doubt your teachers find it so cute...

You may be teaching them bad habits, but at least they're helping you drop others. Thanks to daycare, you have also begun relinquishing the paci (save extenuating circumstances—like sleeping at night). You don't even put up a fight anymore when I remove it and send you off to play.

Of course, one of your favorite things to do is eat. Yes, you're still particular about milk and will only drink it once a day in warm bottle form (seriously, I'm just gonna put all the bottles up one day and be like uh-oh where did they go? Mommy and daddy are such enablers), but when you're hungry, it's go-time. I love watching you eat noodles, since you somehow got that 'lady and the tramp' slurp down and they disappear faster than I can twist. Pizza and pasta are high on your list, but your favorite is still barbecue and green beans. My little Southern girl! We know you're done (or bored) when those food- or sauce-filled hands dart up and rub the yummy goodness in your hair. [*shaking head in defeat]. At least it makes for some interesting hairstyles.

We took you to the Dixie Classic Fair in early October, though daddy felt you were still a little young to enjoy everything. Not necessarily, we found, since you downed half the 32-oz lemonade we'd purchased for ourselves and 3/4 of my roasted corn. You absolutely loved the petting zoo, even if you tried to eat the "feed carrots" yourself and kept trying to kiss the goats (I know they kind of look like dogs, sweetie, but they're not). And aside from a 45-minute power nap, you hung like a champ. After your nap, we rode a couple rides and called it a day, but I'm glad we went. You even tried your first taste of cotton candy and funnel cake. Next year will really be a treat. If we don't give you a stomachache...

 "I think I'm gonna like the fair!"

 "It's a bit sunny. Dad, glasses STAT"

 (Maybe you'll like the rides better when you're old enough to go on them yourself.
And you're awake)

 (Feeding the goats. Right before you tried to kiss them)

 

"I'm sorry; what is THAT?"

 "Niiiice alpaca. Sooooft."

You've definitely become more.. sensitive? aware? adult? of late, and when you're hurt or sad it takes a bit longer to calm those nerves. It's clear this is part of growing up, though, since it's hard to understand those feelings at first. Just this morning, something fell on my foot and when I cried out in pain, you got scared and ran to me whimpering. It's really amazing the things you're starting to grasp. You seem to swat out randomly when frustrated, since you can't yet say what you need. Sadly, the dogs and a few brave friends at school receive the brunt of those beatings. We try to curb it by showing you "sweet" and "gentle," but it's a natural part of your development, too, and supposedly quite normal at this stage. Most recently, you've started building up tantrums in the middle of meals. When you've had enough and can shake your head no more, you wind up and lob food away like a major league pitcher. We try really hard not to laugh.

You have a unique fascination with shoes and the act of putting them on, and will often grab one of daddy's large dress shoes and haul it over for a fitting session. Funnily enough, you're also fairly obsessed with your reflection, and must think you look especially good in hats. Every time we place one upon your head, you hold it steady and slowly walk to the mirror to check out the hotness. It is so flipping cute.

You're still as active as ever, which was totally evident at your school Halloween party where all the other kids sat quietly with their snack as you climbed on the table and danced around your chair (let's not practice those two things together in the future though, k?). We spent the majority of the time chasing you round the room to ensure a minimal amount of destruction and flailing.

For some reason, you can't even ride your bounce & spin zebra like a docile child; preferring instead to climb upon its back and "trick-ride"- if you will - whilst standing. Your play has become more involved, too, and your mimicking more accurate. Mommy brought you a cheerleader puppet as a prize when daddy and I went to New York, and the first night we played with it, daddy was holding her up - pretending to talk to you in a lovely feminine voice. You studied him closely for a few minutes, then grabbed the doll by the back of the neck, held her up yourself and started yapping away in a totally different voice than your normal jabbering. I was amazed and quite proud, but it may or may not have been a little more maturity than I was ready for at 13 months.  :)

On Halloween, Meme Kay and Bumpa brought you a giant orange punching balloon and spent maybe two minutes showing you how to use it. Since then you've been picking it up, wrapping it around your fingers and pounding away merrily like it's second nature.



And for your viewing pleasure... a little dance:


You stun me daily with the things you learn, and what you just assimilate. Though you still think brushing you teeth means sucking the toothpaste from the bristles, we're working on modeling that more correctly. You'll get it eventually. And daddy says it's ok for now, cause they're just 'practice teeth.'  (hah. oh my goodness..)

And here are a few more Halloween pics just because you're so adorably precious:

 (Your actual Halloween Eve costume)

(First lollipop ever... that I know about. Could not remove it from your hand until it broke apart and fell on the pavement).

  (Ok, so this isn't quite the smiley happy photo you were probably expecting, but seriously - look at those two faces and tell me there's no resemblance!)

In case you didn't know, you are daddy's absolute pride and joy. I would say you're a daddy's girl, but it's more than an understatement. You have no idea how much daddy loves you. In fact, I think he's been waiting for you his whole life. The two of you romp and play, and you have the most special, sensational laugh that you reserve just for him. You were absolutely made for each other.

Speaking of which, you are going to meet someone else very special who was made for you in May(ish) of next year!

I have utmost faith that you'll be a wonderful big sister (amidst the squeezing and smacking that is sure to occur), but what I really want you to know is that you were a big part of the reason we decided to have another baby. True, we'd always talked about having kids close together because of the bond near siblings can share. But mostly, mommy and daddy adore you to pieces and consider you the most wonderful blessing we've ever received. Our enormous love for you somehow made our hearts grow bigger and brought us to the conclusion that another baby like you would bring double the joy! Amazingly, God saw fit to grant this wish quickly, and has entrusted us to grow and raise another one of His children. It truly overwhelms me to know His grace. And you are going to love having a little.

(See? You're already overjoyed ;)

Preg2 Update:
Mommy is happy she can still fit into a few pairs of pre-maternity jeans, but that will be short-lived. Baby b (you're a; this one's b) is starting to grow and taking me with it! My apologies if I've simply not had the gumption to update your blog lately, but growing a tiny human is somewhat exhausting. And perhaps the thought of keeping this up for two of you is a bit wearying in and of itself.. 

Amazingly, though I've definitely been tired and less-than-energetic, it's not as bad as last time when mommy took naps at least twice a week in the first trimester. This is either because my body is adapting and saying "hey, we've done it before; we can totally handle this," or because there just isn't nearly as much opportunity to be tired with a little Action Ansley scampering about this time around.  :)  Same thing with the smell sensitivity, since I'm positive that at this point last time I was doubling over with a whiff of meat or garlic. This time? Meat: good. Garlic: goood. What's not to like?

My Funny, Hungry, Sleepy Baby

{9 months and gaining}

So yesterday at your 9 month checkup, the doctor said we could start giving you baby-sized pieces of our own food as long as you can hold and chew it without issue. When I mentioned this to daddy, he took it as a license to go crazy with the food-tasting, and tonight you tried green beans, your first french fry, and (!!) pork barbeque from Shane's Ribshack. Mommy was not happy with the fact that pork was your first meat, and promptly offered you a shred of my chicken. I fear we're creating a monster. But it's very cute to watch you grab the pieces with your thumb and forefinger and try to land them in your bird-mouth.

Dr. B said you were lookin good. 78th percentile in height; 15th in weight. They'd be concerned if you weren't so tall. Sounds like you take after your mommy.  :)  You're just starting the clingy stage and becoming wary of strangers, but you warmed up to the doc after a bit and even performed some of your tricks for him (the latest of which is flipping your paci sideways and gripping it with your two teeth). You also clapped and danced (I'm assuming the music was playing in your head), and stood on mommy's lap. 

You're presently not the most talkative of kids, but just the way you look at the world makes me think you're processing it all. And anytime you want to start actually calling me mama (instead of just throwing it out there sans meaning) is good with me. You give wonderful kisses—especially to daddy. You only bit me that one time... ;)

Your favorite snack for the moment is pretzels, which daddy has been giving to you for several weeks without my knowledge. You basically just suck all the salt from them and gnaw the bare stick. When I came home and caught this action going on one night, daddy said "she loves pretzels!" unapologetically. Yes, this was before we had clearance from the doctor to give you finger foods. But I guess no harm done if you don't get sick. Thank goodness you're a very tolerant baby, and can take pretty much anything we throw at you. Maybe I should thank God for that, too.

pretzel or teething tool? you decide

perhaps some lobster bisque for the lady??

yes, that is seriously what daddy is feeding you...

We're still doing the 'your bed most of the night; ours the rest' thing, but I'm moderately convinced it's only because daddy wakes from his temporary couchbed and grabs you on the way to ours (perchance sleepthinking you're restless even when you're not). Don't tell him I said that. I have to collect evidence first..

In the mornings, you stir around 6:30. And though we'd love just that half hour more, your waking process, again, is too cute for us to hate. First you tumble from side to side (mommy to daddy) and see if this gets our attention. You may still be half-sleeping, but it works. Then the paci dislodges and you turn onto your tummy and up to all fours. One of us generally attempts to coax you back to bed with a gentle check against the pillows at that point. But you are not to be discouraged and soon muster up to a stand, looming over one of our faces (employing the head for support). I'm not sure how you know, but the poking, prodding, pulling and smacking does it, and we are up to attend to your every beck and call once again. Periodically, mommy and daddy are more tired and therefore more resistant to your blows, and attempt to endure the abuse longer just to slightly extend the rest. 

Recently, you found that pulling daddy's armpit hair will shock him up swiftly. That was a fun morning.

Don't even get me started on the falling asleep process. It's more complicated by far, especially on days when your naps aren't regular, but always entails a paci and blankette (i.e. soft piece of fabric posing as a blanket, but smaller—often with a stuffed animal attachment). We call your favorite one Ellie, since it's essentially a flat pink elephant (no, not fat; flat. Seriously, these things sound absurd when you try to explain them). Anywho, you still perform the flailing exercise and rub your Ellie on your cheek to soothe you down. Daddy was watching you do this one day and wondered aloud "do you think she's still gonna have to do that when she, like, goes off to college? I mean her roommate will be lying there peacefully nodding off, and she'll start flapping a pillow about over her head trying to fall asleep." Then he demonstrated and I lost control. We get the biggest kick out of you, baby. It's probably not even funny to anyone else, but I love our inside jokes. You are terrifically hilarious.

Mobile Munchkin

{8.5 months going on 13}


nooo! my child has become a mean girl! (or at the very least, joined the paci police). last week was precious jake's first week at school, and you decided to make it super-easy (major sarcastic undertone) by crawling over as soon as i set you down, standing(ish) above him, grabbing his paci and throwing it away (in a "seriously, you don't need this here; i'm just gonna relieve you of it" kind of way). and you did so with the efficiency of a hawk snatching its prey. jaclyn thinks maybe you're just trying to "assert your seniority" and show everyone that although you're little, you're no pushover. i would hate to think of my darling, sweet girl as a bully, so i'm claiming that you were really just preparing to go in for some lovin. you are, after all, a shameless flirt.. 

(see?)

and not just with the little guys! at lunch just last week, you could not take your eyes off the young blonde surfer boy who came in as we ate. you were babbling away, banging two toys together, and literally stopped mid-play to watch him make his order. you were distracted by his beauty for a good five minutes, which is a dang long time for a baby. luckily, we were at jimmy john's, so he got his sub freaky fast and left. daddy is still your number one guy, though. and we like it that way. preferably until you're about 18.  

another recent development at daycare has been the need for us to sign a "sleep waiver," because you allegedly refuse to remain on your back during naps and your teachers seem to have grown tired of flipping you around.  ;)  ok so this isn't news to us. on a number of occasions, i will admit, we've put you to bed and check an hour later to find you snoring away on your tummy with your bottom up in the air and legs tucked underneath you. you've also grown to prefer starting out on your side. and honestly, though i know back is best and would absolutely never forgive myself if something happened, i kind of feel like  a baby's gonna sleep how a baby wants to sleep (especially if she's little miss mobile and does crib gymnastics like you do). i'm more comfortable on my side, too. 

you're crawling all natural-like now, and seriously i feel like we went from infant to toddler in a week because you're pulling up on everything and cruising around just like a real little human (ok yes i know that's what you are, but it's clearly surreal for mommy to watch you growing before my eyes)!

(multitasking)

(the plastic bottle - still one of your favorite playthings. 

sigh.)

(and your new favorite toy)

(hmm.. sweetie I'm not sure that particular thing should go in your mouth)

and random/cute sidenote: daddy often falls asleep downstairs to the drone of the television (he claims it's the only thing that puts him out. and since our room remains technologically-challenged, the den is his preferred nocturnal habitat). as i'm sure i've mentioned before, daddy has some strange sleep habits and it often results in incoherent babbling or some form of sleepwalking. in the wee hours of the night last week, he tromped upstairs and fell into bed and i said "goodnight sweetie, i love you." to which he replied "night babygirl. i love you so much."

over the weekend we let daddy sleep in while we redecorated the bonus room with your toys. the dogs started barking randomly as they sometimes do (to alert us that there is a squirrel or rabbit that needs our attention), and apparently it woke him. you and i watched/listened helplessly as daddy leapt out of bed, ran to the stairs and somehow launched himself clear over most of them, landing about 4 steps from the bottom. when the dust settled, he came in the room and admitted that he was half-asleep and convinced we were downstairs in danger. i think maybe he was reenacting his childhood superman fantasy .. just kidding.

The A Report

{7.5 months... ish}


currently, you are: 

• getting teeth!! i finally noticed the little white specks peeking through your gums on March 20th, your 7 month birthday, and when i went to check them out with my finger they were razor-sharp. hm perhaps that's why they call it "cutting".. we have a steady supply of orajel swabs and teething tabs on hand for the pain, which sometimes wakes you up at night. daddy figured out a trick to make the swabs work faster by blowing into the broken end. we also learned to rub it on your paci for maximum effectiveness, and i always put a drop of water on the tabs before giving them to you so they dissolve better. i suppose it's funny that these things are of utmost importance nowadays, but when you have a baby in pain you'll pretty much try anything.

(you can't see them, but i promise they're there!)

• going through bouts of speaking. a couple weeks ago it was "da-da." last week "mmma." and lately you've just starting emitting short (rather loud) shrieks and experimenting with consonants (i keep hearing "vuh" "fuh" and some strange clicking sounds that i think may mean something in another language). yesterday you were chattering on in the car and i was mimicking you in encouragement, and you literally hissed at me. i was a bit taken aback, and then found myself apologizing to you as if you meant something by it.. 

(you'd never hiss at daddy... ;)

i'm still claiming that your first word was God. even if it was by accident, you very clearly enunciated "gah-D." ;)

• omg to the tenth: CRAWLING. i have to admit that every day for at least 2 weeks i've thought you were literally on the verge and would crawl the following day. but you were holding out. clearly, you were capable. i know this because on several occasions, we would place a toy just out of your reach and you'd drop down on all fours, take a couple crawls (just close enough to fall down on your tummy and reach it), and then pick yourself right back up to a sitting position. but you didn't realize you'd already done it, so most of the time you still kept a "safety" leg underneath in order to return to your seat. i think the magic happened when we began encouraging this and clapping every time you'd go down and come back up. when i picked you up yesterday, they told me you'd crawled (and had announced it on the board outside the door). they also said that after doing so, you sat back, grinned and gave yourself a hand. 

• handling the sippycup like a seasoned vet (daddy is crushed that you're growing up so fast). but to be fair, you have been holding your own for some time now.. VK asked a couple months ago "did you know she holds her bottle by herself?" yup. this was at like 5 months. you do have a voracious appetite that probably motivated it early. clearly you get that from your daddy. ;) 

(chugging like a pro. right, dad?)

• enjoying banging items together and relishing in the sounds they produce. you have also discovered "the bounce," and do so while seated if you're super-excited (like when we come to pick you up from daycare and you can't quite remember that you know how to crawl now), and in your exersaucer. i especially enjoy this, because you look like you're having fun. and because i would totally get in one of those over-the-door bouncy-seat thingies if they made them big enough.

• still attached to the paci; though you don't seem to need it as often. olivia might disagree, however, since daddy shared with me a little incident that occurred the other day when you got to school and sat down next to her sans paci; noticed she had one in; and deftly plucked it from her mouth. whoops. evidently, it works both ways though because daddy went to help you out with some orajel the other night and you disengaged your own paci to expeditiously insert it into his mouth. also, you practice the "paci nunchucks" diligently, and won't hesitate to clock anyone who invades your personal space during practice sessions. 

• wiggling around in that crib like a clock. as in, i put you down facing 12, and when I check an hour later, it's 3. another hour and you've done a complete 180 and are pushing 6 on the opposite end. when you're trying to fall asleep you sometimes thrust back abruptly and half the time end up shoved into a corner banging your head against the bars. am seriously rethinking this "bumpers are bad" thing.

• having your first emotional fit. last night we introduced you to teething biscuits and may never be doing so again (jk). when daddy thought you were done and went to take one away, you balled up your fists, lowered your head and squinted ferociously. and the noise that exuded from your petite little frame was nothing short of sheer rage. it sounded like a rabid hamster. in short, you hulked-out. we would have been more sympathetic except that it was so funny daddy and i could not stop laughing. 

• trying to remember to call my mom by the correct grandma moniker. since the beginning of time (last august), it's been mimi sally [technically it started with the dogs even before then]. but after hearing a little boy repeatedly call his grandmother "mia," mimi was smitten and asked to be called this instead. forgive me if i use them interchangeably for a while and confuse the crap out of you.

(lovin on your mimi mia!)

• anxious to meet your "cousin" and future bff, Nora Kate! aunt marisa had teeny weeny cutie pie Nora on St. Patrick's Day, so as soon as she's old enough we'll make the introduction. though i may have to have a talk with you beforehand about proper paci etiquette..

(isn't she cute!?! it's ok if you're jealous of her hair... so are most men)

• so gosh darn beautiful. the saturday before easter, we had your "6 month" (oops! just a little late...) photo session with Lindsey. you were sadly not in the greatest of moods - hating the grass and outside in general, and keeping your stunning smile under wraps. but somehow she managed to get some great shots. i hope i'm not violating any copyrights by posting them here as long as i attribute them to Lindsey Turner Photography, but i think my absolute favorite picture of all time is the last one. :) 

i cannot even express how amazingly much i love you!!! i am so incredibly blessed to have you in my life and in my arms, little one.

and i have to say, i never saw it coming. i mean i knew i wanted to be a mom and i knew i'd like it, but i really had no idea. it is truly such a gift that i have God and daddy to thank for giving to me. i don't think i can ever thank them enough.

You Like To Move It, Move It...

{5 months & some change}
You now do a reverse army or upside-down crawl when lying on your back where you pull your legs in and then shoot upward like an inchworm. Aaah the beginning of mobility. Help. You are also a teeter-sitter in that you can basically sit up all by yourself, but after a little while you lose your balance and topple sideways in a very cute manner (we try to catch you when you threaten to fall forward onto your sweet face). Your ninja kicks are getting very fast now, and you enjoy doing a little tap dance for our entertainment when standing. You ambushed daddy when he tried to kiss you the other day and laid a roundhouse square on his nose (that's my girl!). 

Your fav game in recent days is "light as a feather, stiff as a board." Well, not so much the light as a feather part. But you seem to find it necessary to suddenly straighten and stiffen your little self when held at a certain angle. Much to daddy's elation, bouncing is now fun for you and elicits a gummy grin that he can't summon enough. He practices the (low) throw and catch maneuver with great success. You really look like you're processing everything now. Of course, you've always had that look about you, but the wheels are turning faster these days. I can see it. Daddy is not ready for you to start with the "mama, dada" yet since that will apparently signal you've reached adulthood (or, at the very least, that you're no longer a baby).

Everyday Rarities

{almost 20 weeks}
caught daddy washing you in the tub the other day PATTING your pikachu to clean it. this was most hilarious to mommy, who immediately felt obligated to explain that patting may not be the best cleansing option, and that wiping with a washcloth is totally appropriate father behavior. 

i read on babycenter that you're supposed to like getting a lotion massage after your bath, so i keep giving you one in hopes that you'll grow to appreciate it..  i'm pretty sure you hate it. 

your fondness for acrobatics is becoming a challenge during changing.. i'm convinced you purposely grab your feet to discourage proper diaper application. and if you're not grabbing them, you're practicing ninja kicks. this also makes clothing administration semi-impossible. 

gave you your first taste of applesauce this week. you seem to want to feed yourself since you pretty much grab the spoon from our hands (i think you like applesauce), but as i'm sure will often be the case, there was more on you than in you at the conclusion of feeding. 

i'm still perplexed as to what kind of play you actually enjoy, but you sat in the exersaucer and swatted at things for a good 20 minutes the other day. sadly, the jumper is basically just a suspender at this point until you figure out how to bounce. however, you did roll over (from back to front!) yesterday. it only happened once, and i fear it may have been a hallucination since you've been on back lockdown ever since, and refuse to repeat the phenomenon. i know you're saving it for that second i take my hand off you when you're on the couch or bed or changing table and you launch yourself off. you're testing me, aren't you?

My Boo

{5 weeks}
Your main form of communication right now is by grunt, which momy & daddy take to mean you're having tummy issues and are unable to go potty. Poor baby! We asked the doctor about this and of course he says it's normal and there's not much we can do. That led us to try several OTC and natural remedies. My favorite is the "Colic Calm," which has a lovely tar-like color that totally turns your mouth black so you look rather goth when we administer it. And if some dribbles out, you look like super-zombie-baby. (Don't worry, we took pictures).  :)

You don't like us to get anything done (preferring instead to feign sleeping for 15 minutes and then call for us - wide awake). You heart your paci and have a hard time calming down without it. You still love walking outside, which we try to do as often as possible with the fall weather being so nice right now. You're eating well - sometimes even from the bottle (yey!) and actually even started on the 2-hole nip (something we discovered after a couple 40-minute feeding sessions with the single-hole one).


You're not so much into us reading for you just yet, but we try to do it anyway. Oh and sadly, you do have the baby acne.


Milestones in the past couple weeks:
• You keep your own head up pretty darn well, and can follow objects we move in front of you.
• Daddy is convinced that you're partial to Journey because you watch his phone when it plays (don't tell him, but you watch it for Britney, too).
• You flail your arms wildly about when you're surprised or scared. It's pretty cute.
• You definitely recognize mommy and daddy's voices.


Daddy has been coming home for lunch to see you, and we've already attended our first party together (Aunt Loryn's birthday in Winston). That was at 4 weeks! You did pretty good - daddy fed you, Aunt Jaclyn rocked you to sleep, and you stayed asleep most of the rest of the time.


This past weekend, mommy & daddy went solo at Uncle Jay's 30th birthday party while you stayed with Granny Mac. She said you did great. But I have a confession: that wasn't the first time we left you with the grandparents! Mommy & daddy did get out for a 1-hour date when you were 2 weeks old, and you stayed with Mimi Sally & Zade Adam when we celebrated Aunt Jenna's first home purchase when you were 3 weeks.


Got you 2 princess dresses & a bunch more books (though I don't know why... haha) at our neighborhood garage sale this weekend. Love you so much. Still waiting on that smile...  :)

Keeping Up

{week 3}
Tomorrow marks 3 weeks for you. Holy crap time does fly! At this point, you are entranced by the fan (even when it's not moving). And you have a favorite window in the den that you constantly stare at. Your umbilical stump came off at 16 days, and we promptly gave you a real bath - which I think you actually kind of enjoyed (yey!!). The whale tub works great, though you seem to like spitting up as soon as we finish. You have been doing so more often lately, but the grandmas tell me this is normal. However, you're also straining like you have to poo but can't whenever you're awake and in the middle of the night - which is likely compounded when you're on your back.  ... so we just hold you most of the time. I'm sure this would be frowned upon in most every parenting book and behavioral guide, but we just cannot stand to see you upset. Sue me. 

A Baby Story (Unabridged...)

You, our precious heavenly gift, were born unto us at 5:16 on August 20th, 2009. You weighed 6 lbs, 15 oz and were 21" long. And I can barely breathe looking at you; you're so captivating. Literally, it takes my breath away how much I adore you. You had me at first blink, and I am hopelessly, utterly, ridiculously devoted. Miracle doesn't even seem to cover it, for some reason, but you truly are miraculous. 

I'm getting ahead of myself, though, so let me start at the beginning and tell you how it all went down ...

A-hem..

It was the middle of darkness. The sticky hot time of year was bearing down hard in the boro (but props to the fan and air conditioning for sustaining the load). Though mercilessly rotund and functionally limited, I'd still been able to get some good sleep most nights and was surprised to find myself up (and fairly coherent) just after 1 am five days before your due date. 

Then I noticed the puddle of wetness beneath my bum and felt a flush of embarrass-/excitement. Or something else. Crap, I wet the bed. Again? (Just kidding, for the record that never happened). Did I forget to turn the fan on and get too hot? Maybe I sneezed in my sleep.. 

Of course after this lovely stream of consciousness, it dawned on me that being pretty pregnant + less than a week from d-day might-could just equal: H20 break (duh, mommy)!

I snuck quietly from the sheets and stole to the bathroom to assess the situation. I wasn't about to disturb daddy and risk the crazy eyes for a false alarm. Certainty was a must. Upon further inspection, the river was still intermittently draining [weirdest thing ever. thus far] and I knew my hypothesis to be correct. I was going to have a baby. ;)   

{sidenote: Seriously, though, I do not understand how those women on the Discovery channel go all the way through pregnancy, wind up at the hospital in labor and then claim to have had NO IDEA they were pregnant. Did you not feel kicking and junk going on in there? I mean my baby was practicing for Cirque Du Soleil. Not to mention the absence of your dot and a myriad of other symptoms. But maybe I'm the ignorant one? I do suppose there could be some medical explanation.. Apologies for the tirade.} 
 
Anywho, the next step was alerting totally snuggled up, firmly passed out, soundly-sleeping daddy, which I liken to awakening an opossum playing dead. Or maybe actually dead for like 2 minutes. This scenario generally involves a good amount of initial jiggling and patting and tender attempts to inveigle him away from the arms of slumber, but inevitably ends with a startling shout and Jon jolting abruptly upright (though still not fully awake and therefore prone to strange bouts of sleeptalking and discombobulation. More on that in later posts). Needless to say, I was stricken with terror.

…Sorry, that was kind of dramatic. Amidst my trepidation, I actually realized that I could first attempt to rouse the beast by peeking round the corner and calling his name (in my mind at pitch-black-in-the-morning this was safe, because should he happen to shoot the Medusa-like crazy eyes my way, I could practice the duck and cover in a timely fashion). To my surprise, he stirred at only the second call, and when he heard "I think my water just broke," daddy responded sleepily "what? …she's coming??!" and was up in a heartbeat.

As we hopped about dizzily and celebrated your impending arrival, we tried to think back to our "training." Of course, no one tells you that as soon as you get clued in that your little one is on their way, you promptly forget everything you learned in birthing class and second-guess even tiny details … or big stuff. 

All I kept thinking about were the stories I'd heard and voices echoing "I went to the hospital and they sent me home," and "a common first labor is around 20 hours." I'm sure they clearly stated that water breaking = hospital visit in our class, but apparently we required positive confirmation. Daddy deferred to me to call the hospital and feel like a total doofus when they corroborated our instinct that yes—that particular action did, in fact, warrant a visit. When our heads cleared enough to think a little, we reaffirmed via babyclass literature that you would be summoned forth in under 24 hours (due to the still-random still-drizzle between my legs). Woo-woo!!

Dad set forth to notify the grandparents while I waddled about making sure we were thoroughly packed. My mom was the first call. 

After a few seconds I heard him leaving a message that went something like this "Hi mom, it's 2:05am and I'm calling to tell you that your daughter's water broke and we're heading to the hospital, but obviously you are not answering your phone, so … you fail."

And then another, similar message to granny Mac: "Mom, it's Jon. McKenzie's water just broke; Ansley is coming, and you're not answering. This is your first test as a grandparent and you have failed. Enjoy your sleep."

Hmmn, this was getting fun. I waited for Bumpa's answering machine to pick up next and heard yet another scolding (daddy was losing patience) "Dad, you are the third grandparent that has not answered your phone, and your daughter is in labor. You fail." 

Uncle Bronson was the first to answer. Of course, when he asked if he should notify the household I got nervous and told him to let your Bumpa sleep; knowing that it would probably be a good many hours before you actually arrived. By that time, though, the other failed grandparents were beginning to call back all aflutter. News had spread, and they were ready. 

Me? Not so much. 

I was just sure you'd be late. In fact, I'd been coasting along under the assumption that you probably wouldn't want to join the party until a good week after you were due (sometime around my birthday). After all, it's just the Stevenson way. But here you were, knocking at the door, and dropping (not-so-)subtle hints that we'd better get ready with a quickness.

Naturally, that didn't stop us from piddling our way to Women's Hospital though. Granny and aunt Jenna almost beat us there (I'm going to call it a combination of their enthusiasm and our unpunctuality). Under the cover of blackness, we managed to locate the correct entrance after 2 unsuccessful tries and scurry to the front desk. The world seemed still. 

Mommy had been on the ball and checked us in online, yet they had us sign enough paperwork to make me even shakier than I was (nerves and hunger; not a good combo, in case you were wondering). There was a short exam/question&answer session, and it was determined that we be admitted. Holy crap about sums up my thought process at that moment. 

Seriously, though, I was incredibly excited (slash scared) and could barely stand the anticipation as we were escorted to our suite. We settled in just after 3:30am. Mia, Granny Mac and Aunt Jenna had the first shift (followed closely by Bumpa and Grandpa Mac). 

As you'll learn if and when you ever have a kid, there's a lot of preparation and waiting around before any of the real action starts. 

The first order of business was hooking mommy up to a multitude of scary, beeping machinery all Frankenstein-style. They adjusted and readjusted the fetal heart monitor to get a satisfactory read on the goods inside (i.e. you). And mommy's greatest immortal enemy, the IV, was next. This evil device is basically a tube (inserted with a needle the size of my cankle, btw) that delivers medicine and various other fluids to your body via the forearm. I tried to be strong, but when the nurse announced that the first try was in vain [pun intended, because it was definitely NOT in the vein…], I could have passed out. Or punched her, if my arm wasn't wounded by her incompetence. At least she was nice. FYI, aside from the 45 minutes I'll discuss later (and only because that was like a constant hurt), this was the most painful part of your birth. Bless you, little one. After the nurse left, Granny Mac (who witnessed the IV altercation), said it took everything she had not to step in and offer to do it herself because "that girl was doing it wrong." Thanks for having my back, G-Mac. 

The birthing suites, though nice enough, have a definite lack of amenities (save the softcore educational porn channel with instructions on breastfeeding and how not to shake your baby repeating every 15 minutes). I would advise bringing a laptop and music for alternate entertainment, but we were so thrilled about your nearing arrival I think we just talked to pass the time. Several hours flew by, and they kept pointing out some alleged contractions on the screen, which were apparently minute enough that I didn't feel them. Yesss. 

When things weren't hastening by morning, they started a drip of Pitocin (labor speeder-upper). Mommy had a most awesome labor & delivery nurse named Lisa, who asked all about you and how daddy and I met. I'm not sure if this was part of her training, but strangely I did feel less awkward with her having to be all up in my business [if that's possible] since she seemed genuinely interested in the other stuff. 

As the time droned on, we spotted larger and more frequent contractions on the screen, and they kept upping the medicine to hurry you on your way (daddy insisted it was because Dr. Cousins' shift ended at 5). I was happy to munch on the excellent soft ice and listen to my babytime playlist while texting back and forth with your aunts and family (after daddy had sent the initial "we're in labor!" text). 

Funnily enough, your godmother Aunt Heidi did not believe daddy when he sent that first message, as he had cried wolf before and tried to pretend we were in labor on our way to your last baby shower. Obviously, when Heidi confirmed it through me, she was much more enthusiastic. I really should have gone for that unlimited text plan if just for the month of August..

Adrenaline still pumping and still crazy-hungry, mommy started to feel some contractions in the early afternoon. Fortunately they were tolerably docile and felt more like pressure than pain. Nurse Lisa checked it out and passed along the news that Dr. Cousins said I could have the epidural "whenever I felt like it" after a certain point. I felt like I should wait at least until it hurt a little, and opted to take the hit a couple hours later. 

The epidural was not remotely what I expected. Partially because it barely hurt (compared to that IV? pshhh), and partially because of the remarkably cool anesthesiologist, Dr. Jackson. When all 6 foot 7 inches of Dr. J walked in and started joking with us, mommy thought "Crap, there's no way he can be good at this. He's far too jovial." But the good doc knew exactly what it felt like each step of the way and explained things extremely well (like he was reading my mind..). He'd clearly done this before. When the tube was in, he even let Jon push the last bit through and said "Congratulations you're a doctor now! You'll even get a certificate in the mail. But it will look strangely like a bill…" Hah.

There was one spot on my side that didn't seem to be affected by the 'dural, where mommy could feel the more frequent contractions, but they turned me on my side (in a manner disturbingly similar to moving a 2-ton whale, what with the numb legs and such) and it disappeared. 

After a few more rounds of contraction-watching and progress checks, word was we were getting close. In the meantime, mommy thought she'd have some chicken broth and a couple orange popsicles for lunch. The liquid diet was killing me. Interestingly, though, no one had thought to warn me that lots of meds, little solids and sudden movements (you know like sitting up) can lead to the expulsion of such orange-tinted liquids. I was assured that pukage was totally normal, but that didn't make it any more dignified.

Eventually, we learned that you were twisted sideways—and I guess they generally prefer up-facing babies for delivery, so mommy was encouraged to prop myself edgewise in hopes of persuading you to start the spin-cycle. Incidentally, the act of turning me on my side seemed to turn off the effects of the epidural (and instantaneously bring the pain). Contractions then were maybe two minutes (that felt like two seconds) apart. And they made my mommies clear the room, leaving Jon and I alone to cope. 

Those videos aren't lying, it hurts something fierce when you can feel it (how do women who have natural births DO that?); so while I was Lamaze-ing it up they called in the anesthesiologist for a bolus (quick, large dose of medicine) that was supposed to work in 15 minutes. Clearly, they tell you 15 minutes so you don't quit from despair, though, because it didn't start working until Dr. Cousins came in and turned me upright (almost 45 minutes later). Upon further inspection, Dr. C explained that maybe it had hurt because I was ready to push. What?! So where were you 45 minutes ago, doc? 

{On another side note, uncle B had gone in to work that day and was not permitted to leave early "just because [his sister was] having a baby." "She'll have more kids," his boss had said. Umm.. dude. Heartless much? So B was still slaving away on the other side of town at this point in time} 

Lisa psyched us up and instructed mommy on the best pushing techniques. I was essentially folded in half, but Daddy held my leg and hand and was absolutely excellent with the encouragement. By the time we figured out that all the real action happens only during contractions (of which I was again comfortably unaware), I was laughing at the irony. Naturally, the epidural had kicked back in. We watched the monitor for a good hour and a half with little progress, since I couldn't feel much to push but was doing it anyway. At least we were getting somewhere. They had asked a few times if I wanted a mirror, but mommy [like many people who have not yet had a child] was a bit horrified by the idea of watching… everything. Daddy had agreed that he too would rather not risk a glance, and was perched solidly at my side. That is until nurse Lisa commented on your light blonde hair color.

All hesitation left daddy's face and curiosity got the better of him. From that moment on, he was captivated. He said later "I really didn't think I wanted to look, but I'm so glad I did because it was the most amazing and incredible thing I have ever seen." Ok, so perhaps if we are blessed with any siblings for you, I'll consider that mirror.

You faked us out with a couple semi-appearances before nurse Lisa exclaimed "Ok! Stop pushing!!" (which was odd, since we'd been doing this for 2 1/2 hours). But lo and behold, it was go-time. 

Dr. Cousins appeared for the last 4 or so contractions, did her thing, and you were out and on my chest in all your long pink perfectness; looking at the world with wide, perceptive eyes (and not even crying!). I could not believe that you were growing inside me for 9 months, and now you were there. It was magical and surreal and so many things I can't describe. Like baby intoxication. I'm crying just typing about it! I kept trying to memorize exactly how it felt, and all I could think was 'is she really mine?' 

Like I said, you didn't even shed a tear—just emitted a couple tiny wails to announce your presence. Daddy, however, was bawling and followed you immediately to the station for cleaning. He stood over you—teardrops streaming on your makeshift crib—and offered sweet words of comfort, saying "I'm here baby girl. I'm not going anywhere. I love you already!" He was so proud he could barely wait to show you off to the rest of the family in the nursery. 

When the commotion calmed a smidge, they whisked you off to meet your public and mommy was left to recover (well, as much as anyone can in an hour or so). 

After you birth a child, I guess they pretty much figure you should be rewarded with your choice of food—especially after withholding it from you for like ever, so they offer up any meal you can think of. For some reason, grilled cheese sounded like perfection right then (I know, amazing I didn't even consider the filet ;), so that's what mommy ordered just before Bumpa walked in. 

He started toward me with tears on his cheeks. "She's beautiful," he said. 

But mommy must have looked a little worse for the wear, because he seemed shaken and afraid to approach. 

"I'm fine!" I insisted, "Dad, I promise.. I'm ok!" I didn't realize how overwhelming it must have been for him to see his little girl after having a little girl of her own.

We'll show you the video, but your triumphant entrance and meeting of the family was, in essence, a blur of camera flashes, "awwww!"s and happy sobbing. Luckily, you waited just long enough that Uncle Bronson was able to be there for your big moment.  :)

I downed the toasty cheese in 1.2 seconds and was on the verge of sleep when the cavalry arrived. Mia asked what I'd eaten and said "oh my gosh I just said before Jon came to get us that I had a strange craving for grilled cheese." Freaky. 

The next couple days were filled with tons of visitors (including all your aunts and immediate family). We both had to get the hang of feeding, changing and burping. I don't think I slept a wink on night one, anticipating your hunger and affirming (then reaffirming) your itty bitty breaths.

On day two, you were lying quietly in daddy's adoring arms when you choked and stopped breathing without warning. I was petrified, but within 5 seconds of us hitting that panic button, a nurse was in the room flipping you over and slamming your back to clear the obstruction. You expelled it on about the second whack (thank goodness, because mommy was about to black out from the anxiety of witnessing this process). 

And then we had an ant infiltration and had to change rooms, which I know was great fun for your fans as they tried to navigate the halls to find us. ;)  

Daddy was very protective of you from the beginning, making sure everything was done correctly. He helped anywhere he was needed, from b-feeding to swaddling & changing diapers. He was made for this. And you should know he did it all despite the fact that hospitals do not appear to hold fathers in very high regard and cannot be bothered to feed them (while mommies are served a hearty breakfast, lunch and dinner; which you also enjoyed).

The fatigue caught up to us on the second day, but it was mixed with the excitement of your newness (and we just had a hard time putting you down 'cause you were so darn sweet!). Though we wanted to throw a party with every visitor, it was physically impossible. We were lookin' pretty rough.  

When news came that we could blow the joint in the morning once we were cleared, daddy and I rejoiced. Then we sat around and waited for forever to check out. You should have seen the cart full of stuff we were trailing. Oh wait, I'm sure I have a picture.  :)

Daddy had been feeling ill that last day, and decided to wear a mask around you just in case. I found this quite comical, especially in our "leaving the hospital" pictures. 

Once we were loaded up (with me in the back seat to watch you breathe) we mustered our courage and Daddy drove the slowest he has ever gone down Wendover to bring you home. Mia and the doggies were waiting to greet you and record the homecoming. And I know everyone says that having your child is the best moment of your life, but bringing her home is up there, too. 

Now you're stuck with us, little A. We're together for good … and I can't imagine a more wonderful gift. 

My sunshine. My blessing. My darling baby girl. I promise you I will love you with every fiber of my being for as long as I am able. Do you think forever is enough? ♥