Meant to be

I was just thinking how lucky I am that Noelle was born during Christmas. Why? Because Tammi is  a teacher and had Christmas break off. She has been so wonderful. I can't tell you how grateful I am for her during this time. Not only do I trust her with my kids, but she is a fabulous cook and cleans up after without hesitation. If I put bottles next to the sink and come back in 10 minutes they are washed. I could really get used to this. Sadly I'm already missing them and they aren't leaving soon. haha It's been so wonderful to have them all here and Micah is one happy little boy. He's not jealous at all because of all the attention he is getting. I am just loving being home (weird right?), but I am!! It's so nice to just relax and be with my little girl. Without family coming in this would not be as easy. They are really making my first week a lovely memory.

Also, Tammi pointed out to me the other day that both my kids were born on the 23rd. I had to stop and think about it for a second. I couldn't believe it. That's kinda crazy that I had never even thought about that. Micah is  May 23 born at 5:23 a.m. and Noelle is December 23rd almost 12:23p.m. but it was 12:52p.m. I was thinking how crazy it would have been if she was born at the same time like Micah. That would have been pretty awesome!!

Noelle is doing great. She doesn't eat as much as Micah did so I am making lots of milk and she is only drinking half of it. So I bought some storage bags and already have over 20 oz of milk in the freezer. This is definitely different from my first. Hopefully I will be able to use the milk soon. I just hate when it goes to waste. She is breastfeeding pretty good. She falls asleep fast and then doesn't drink enough. She also has been taking bottles every now and then because I'm lazy and it's way easier on both of us. I try and switch off because I want her to exclusively nurse once my swelling has gone down. I don't want to be pumping forever because it's not fun. I will do it now though because I'm staying home and not doing much.

I got a nutribullet for Christmas and I'm excited to try it out today while the family goes to the Aquarium. I've never been so I hope it's nice and they have a good time. I'm sure it's going to be busy with school being out. Micah will love it.

Yesterday Hannah got to hold little NJ and her and Micah stole my phone to take some pics. Here is the result:

Hannah holding baby NJOY

Micah and GrandPa

Loving this time together. So thankful!!

Love you all

Tired.

I'm really tired but I wanted to share some amazing photos with you all before bed. The Hooker's are here and making life so much fun. Micah is so happy, Tammi is cooking dinner (cleaning up) grandpa holds baby, zeke and hannah play with M and I get naps. I'm so grateful and so wish we lived closer and this could be my norm. I will enjoy the time while they're here and take advantage of the breaks!!

Noelle Joy is here

They say the second baby comes faster and it's absolutely true! On Wednesday I had my 39 week appt and my doctor said I was 4 cm dilated and she could induce me Friday morning if I wanted. I struggled all day trying to decide if I should induce or not. I finally decided to let her come when she wanted. This was something I wanted to do from the beginning.  So after all the time thinking about it...she decided Friday was her birthday!!

We did a few things to try and help the process. Some TMI and then eggplant parmigiano the night before. Which now we actually get her picture on the wall and get a gift certificate since we had her within 24 hours from eating at the restaurant. 

I woke up Friday with mild cramping around 5am. I was hopeful but knew I had felt them before. I took a shower and just got prepared incase. Then at 7am the contractions started. They were pretty painful and came every 5 mins and by 730 I was like "we HAVE to go" they were already so painful and I knew it would be awhile before I would get drugs.

So around 815am we walked through the hospital doors. I got a room and it took awhile for them to get fluids through me. I had to go through a whole bag before they would get the anesthesia. I finally got my epidural and thought it was smoothe sailing...but I was wrong. The epidural didn't work on my left side and I was in so much pain. They kept trying to give me more drugs...but it still didn't work. I felt like I was going to die!! They finally redid my epidural around 12pm and when my midwife came in she said I was fully dilated. She broke my water and said it was time to push. Thankfully I didn't feel anything during birth. It was definitely hard to push her out since I had no feeling down there, but she came fast! 12:52 pm on 12/23 weighing 7lbs 14oz, 20 inches long (same as Micah) 13.5 inch head.
She has my ears, darker hair, and I'd say looks more like me than Craig. 

She's so precious and we are so blessed and thankful for her. She truly is my miracle baby.

I'm scared of how many pics are in her future!

Labor signs

Hey all. So I got a surprise this morning and woke up feeling horrible. Flu-like symptoms I guess is a sign of labor. Who knew? Wish this wasn't the sign I had to endure but atleast it's a sign she may be on her way! It's been a miserable (I mean it) day. Feeling a little but of contractions but not enough for concern. Also read that the flu symptoms can mean your about to go into labor or some had to still wait a few days. I've never known anyone who got sick like this but I have had a wonderful pregnancy so I can't be mad.

Atleast the sickness came today and not over the weekend. We got to see Disney Live at the cobb energy center Saturday night and Micah absolutely loved it!! I mean his face was priceless. We had pretty good seat and we're on the end of the aisle so M sat on Craig's lap and had a great view!

Sunday we went to church early and spent the day together. I was already feeling a bit weak thinking she was on her way soon. Craig made me dinner Sunday night and it was really good!

So now I'm praying contractions start or my water breaks. This is the waiting game!

Cmon baby girl!!

#12days

12 days and counting! We are ready! Well...as ready as we can be. I feel like I'm forgetting a thousand things but I'm just ready to hold her and love on her and snuggle with my two kids in bed. It's cold out and I don't mind staying inside and enjoying the time with my babies.

Doctor said I was 1 cm dilated and when I go into labor it will be a quick delivery. I don't know how she knows all this but I got some good vibes and feeling excited now. Since I was induced with Micah I don't know what it's going to be like to wait for my body to decide when. I really hope it goes smoothly.  I think I have been feeling some contractions but nothing to get excited about.

Craig has two more work days next week and he's off till after new years. It came so fast. Baby, Christmas, and family visiting makes this time of year way more fun than past years. I am stocking up on thieves and diffusing them nonstop. I want us all to stay healthy and happy this holiday. I know it's a tall list but I'm hopeful.

Yesterday Craig's work had a surprise baby shower for him. They contacted me and Micah and I were able to surprise Craig too.  He has No idea. It was really cute!

Today we visited Leslie, Nolan , and baby Eliza one last time before there's one more added. It was so nice to see them and have Micah and Nolan play together. Nolan is talking so much and can even say Micah's name. It's too sweet😍😍😍

Keep praying for this little girl to come when she's ready! I want her to be fully ready for the outside craziness😅

Love you all

38 weeks

I can't believe it. I'm 38 weeks today and going to the doctor by myself!!! My friend from mops is watching M for me today. I'm so grateful he can play while I sit in a doctor's office. He does really well, but I always feel bad for him. It's not very fun. I'm pretty sure I will get checked today and I'm anxious to know if I am dilating or not.
We found out yesterday that AT&T has a new plan for 2017. They will give 2 weeks paid paternity leave. So if she does decide to come in the new year atleast we have 2 extra weeks together. It will still coat us way more, but nice to know Craig will be home even longer!!

My mom left yesterday and it was so sad to see her leave. With almost 6 grandkids here in GA it's tough to give everyone enough time. I'm lucky we got a few days and Micah absolutely loved his time with Nana. It's really cute to see how much he connects with his grandparents.

We decorated gingerbread cookies yesterday with victor at his house and then everyone came over to our house and decorated some more here. It was a mess but so much fun. I can't believe Christmas is around the corner!! I want it to come but don't want it to be over.
Hope you all are having a great week!!

#18days

18 days left before she's here!! We went to the pet store today because it was right next to the restaurant we had brunch at. We all fell in love with an English Bulldog and if he wasn't almost 5 thousand dollars prolly would have taken him home!! He was so sweet. Even Craig wanted him.
We had brunch after dropping Rachel off at her car this morning. She had her work party Friday night and stayed at our place to she could uber and not drive all the way home. So we all went to brunch and had to wait almost an hour but thankfully it was in a strip mall so we got to shop a bit. I got Micah a few things at carters. The sad part is I can't seem to purchase anything for Noelle. It's like I want everything and I can't choose anything. Haha
The pet store we went into had a huge turtle just chilling by the door. Micah loved it and I was surprised it was real!! Haha
Turned out to be a really fun morning and now after nap we get to go to Craig's work party. We are dressing Micah up and taking him with! He's a good age to take him and still be able to have conversations with people. Hopefully there will be some kids his age. Last year there was.

Happy Saturday!!!

Counting down the days

We are counting down he days till this little girl makes her debut! It's just getting more and more exciting every day. I can't wait to see her little face and hold her. We are trying to stay busy (as much as I can handle) Mom came in last Thursday and we had an awesome few days with her. We took her to the Children's museum Friday morning, then dinner at Aurelios and lights and Life University. It was a filled day, but we made the most of it.

Saturday we went to Rachel's house and then met Hannah and her family for lunch at Taco Mac. It was another fun filled day with lots of play time. I pushed Micah longer than normal and we didn't leave until 3:45 p.m. He just loves playing with his cousins so much and barely gets to see them. That night we made our Christmas goodies for the neighbors. Chocolate covered pretzels!! They turned out so cute. 

We had a few along the way, but didn't make enough for ourselves. It was fun to decorate and pretty easy to make. 

Sunday we took Micah to a Christmas celebration at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. They had carriage rides, trains, Christmas singing, puppet shows, pretty much everything you could think of! We didn't have time to do everything. Micah is loving all the Christmas celebrations. It's been so fun to see his face light up with christmas tree decorations and even Santa Clause. I haven't made him sit with Santa. We just wave to him and look at him from a distance. I don't really want him think Santa is the main reason for Christmas. It's already hard enough to get away from all that. We try to talk about baby Jesus and the manger and tell him why we celebrate Christmas. It really doesn't make sense when you combine the whole presents part...but we have to try!!

Here's a video of Micah having fun with jingle bells and dancing.

Monday we went to the doctor for my 37 wk check up. I'm so thankful one of my friends is helping me out next week. It's getting tough to take Micah. Even though he does great, I feel so bad for him to be in a waiting room for an hour and do nothing. He really has been the best little boy through this pregnancy. He's taking great naps and sleeps through the night. I couldn't ask for anything better. 

Today my onesie came in the mail for Noelle and I'm so excited to put her in it when she gets here.

How fun is that? Love!!! She will be here so soon now!! 23 more days, unless she decides she wants to celebrate Christmas with us : )

Keep praying for our little girl. I had some high blood pressure yesterday, so they will keep an eye on it. May be all the chocolate I was eating... haha

Also, Nana came with an early Christmas present since she won't be here and it has been a blast to play with!!

Love you all