Growing So Fast!!
Big Smile! Such a happy girl!!
So you're Mamaw....Daddy has told me so much about you!
Big smile for my Daddy! Love you!!
Great minds think alike....Mamaw and Stephanie matching
(Did you guys talk the night before?)
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
5 Weeks Old....Mamaws Here!
Growing So Fast!!
God is Good....Money does grow on trees....
Before Stephanie was born Josh and I decided that I would take my full 12 weeks of leave to stay at home with her. This was both an easy and difficult decision. Easy because, of course I wanted to stay home as long as possible with her! Difficult because I was only getting paid for 6 weeks of leave, and during this time I was getting a third of my normal paycheck. We knew this was the right decision though and that God would work it out.
Saying "God will work it out" and believing it was the easy part....but understanding how that would happen and not worrying about the details was the hard part (I'm a big planner and like to know the details :) When I found out I had high blood pressure and was put on bedrest I obviously had to stay home from work and my leave started a week early....I would have been worried but a friend gave me two of her personal days so I was paid for the week I had to take off (two of her days and two of my days) and so this did not count for part of my leave. I started my leave when planned which was a huge blessing because that means I get to stay home until mid April! Stephanie came right around her due date which also was a blessing because we had worked our budget around paychecks and her due date.....God was getting us through in these little things....
Now the HUGE God thing....There is NO other way to explain it! I decided to cancel my health ins through my job and go with the one through the military.......I did this with only TWO days to spare (my job only allows you to add or drop 30 days from a status change). HUGE miracle because we were just talking about me possibly changing and I decided to look into it and then go ahead and do it....wasn't sure why I felt the need to to it, I just did (now knowing that it was God pulling me in that direction). Strange, I decided to change OB's in November for personal reasons, just before I decided to cancel my district ins....my new dr happens to be on my new ins and my old dr wasn't!! I changed to my new dr not knowing this at all.....another step in God's plan for our financial stability.
My new ins through the military made cut our projected medical expenses by 90% (if not more!) We did not fully understand the benefits of canceling my ins, but through this God has made all things financial fall into place and seriously it's like money is growing on trees! Don't get me wrong, things are tight and I'm not going out and doing all those "fun" things until I go back to work...but I am able to sleep soundly at night knowing the bills are paid and we have the money to provide what our family needs (and even the occasional McDonalds burger :)
Back in September when Josh and I decided I would stay home I NEVER would have imagined the way in which God would provide for us, I just knew He would. It's AMAZING how he has taken the chain of events in our life (from my new position at work, Josh's current situation, the timing of me canceling ins, the timing of the birth and my decision to change OB's all to work in perfect harmony to get us through these few months. I have always been the one to worry about paying bills and how things are going financially. It's such a blessing that all of this has been taken care of for us and that I am able to sleep at night not thinking twice about how I will pay the bills. God is so good and has shown Himself to us in so many ways these past few months! It's amazing to see Him and His works so clearly! Never in my life have I experienced this.....I can't wait to see what He has in store for us in the months to come!!
Saying "God will work it out" and believing it was the easy part....but understanding how that would happen and not worrying about the details was the hard part (I'm a big planner and like to know the details :) When I found out I had high blood pressure and was put on bedrest I obviously had to stay home from work and my leave started a week early....I would have been worried but a friend gave me two of her personal days so I was paid for the week I had to take off (two of her days and two of my days) and so this did not count for part of my leave. I started my leave when planned which was a huge blessing because that means I get to stay home until mid April! Stephanie came right around her due date which also was a blessing because we had worked our budget around paychecks and her due date.....God was getting us through in these little things....
Now the HUGE God thing....There is NO other way to explain it! I decided to cancel my health ins through my job and go with the one through the military.......I did this with only TWO days to spare (my job only allows you to add or drop 30 days from a status change). HUGE miracle because we were just talking about me possibly changing and I decided to look into it and then go ahead and do it....wasn't sure why I felt the need to to it, I just did (now knowing that it was God pulling me in that direction). Strange, I decided to change OB's in November for personal reasons, just before I decided to cancel my district ins....my new dr happens to be on my new ins and my old dr wasn't!! I changed to my new dr not knowing this at all.....another step in God's plan for our financial stability.
My new ins through the military made cut our projected medical expenses by 90% (if not more!) We did not fully understand the benefits of canceling my ins, but through this God has made all things financial fall into place and seriously it's like money is growing on trees! Don't get me wrong, things are tight and I'm not going out and doing all those "fun" things until I go back to work...but I am able to sleep soundly at night knowing the bills are paid and we have the money to provide what our family needs (and even the occasional McDonalds burger :)
Back in September when Josh and I decided I would stay home I NEVER would have imagined the way in which God would provide for us, I just knew He would. It's AMAZING how he has taken the chain of events in our life (from my new position at work, Josh's current situation, the timing of me canceling ins, the timing of the birth and my decision to change OB's all to work in perfect harmony to get us through these few months. I have always been the one to worry about paying bills and how things are going financially. It's such a blessing that all of this has been taken care of for us and that I am able to sleep at night not thinking twice about how I will pay the bills. God is so good and has shown Himself to us in so many ways these past few months! It's amazing to see Him and His works so clearly! Never in my life have I experienced this.....I can't wait to see what He has in store for us in the months to come!!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Gampa's Concert
Stephanie and I were about to head home tonight (from mom and dads) when daddy decided to come down and sing to her....SOOO precious! It's a long couple clips, but I couldn't stop myself! Such a precious memory! Thank God for technology and for it being so easy to capture these precious moments!
My little Car Rider
Well Miss Stephanie used to be okay in the car. She didn't like her carseat but was fine once we were in the car....this has since changed! She HATES her carseat and SCREAMS half the time we have to go anywhere.....no matter how I time it! Here are some SUPER CUTE pictures of our most recent trip. It was super cold so she had to wear a hoodie....so cute (she didn't agree :) It's a super cute hoodie from ebay (the best place to shop for baby clothes!!)
One Month Old
Our little princess is one month old already! Hard to believe she was growing in me for 10 months and has now been in this world for a month....it seems like we have had her longer. She's getting out of that "newborn" look and starting to look and act more like a baby. She has a little personality, she talks and watches things....she is so involved in the world around her! God has blessed us with one month of pure bliss....can't wait to see what we experience in the months/years to come!
Above: Big hug for my daddy! Love you!
Below: The MANY faces of Stephanie Jo
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Mommys 27th Birthday
I always said I wanted to have my first baby at 27 and my second at 30....well Stephanie Jo came about 3 weeks before my 27th birthday and has been a huge blessing! This little girl made this the best birthday yet! Josh gave me the James Avery "Mothers Love" ring with a very special note....being a mom is the best adventure yet! Our little family is so precious to me, I thank God daily for the blessings He has given me and the journey He has our family on. Josh and my relationship with eachother and with God has only grown stronger...I can't wait to see where He takes us next :)
Here are some pictures from the visitors we had on my birthday. The Valdez family (plus Ade) came up for my birthday, Miss Sandi came to see Stephanie and so did Josh's parents (Mum and Papi to Stephanie). This was the first time Jim had seen her and the pictures say it all.....they are just precious! My Papa and Grandma and Aunt Laura were here too....but by then Stephanie was sleeping and I had put my camera away :) Enjoy!
Here are some pictures from the visitors we had on my birthday. The Valdez family (plus Ade) came up for my birthday, Miss Sandi came to see Stephanie and so did Josh's parents (Mum and Papi to Stephanie). This was the first time Jim had seen her and the pictures say it all.....they are just precious! My Papa and Grandma and Aunt Laura were here too....but by then Stephanie was sleeping and I had put my camera away :) Enjoy!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Random Shots
Here are some fun shots of Stephanie Jo meeting her great grandparents (Papa and Grandma Christy), her new MIRACLE blanket (keeps her swaddled at night), hew new binky (with a cute stuffed animal that helps it stay in her mouth), some play time and her new rocking horse from Papa and Grandma Christy. Enjoy :)
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Three Weeks Old
Well I have been a mother for three weeks now and it's amazing! It's VERY hard to believe that three weeks ago (and a few more hours) she wasn't even here....WOW!!! Time has gone by super fast :( I am getting to know Miss Stephanie and her little quirks....I'm much better today at meeting her needs and know I will only get better at it. We went to a WONDERFUL store today called The Nesting Place and got another sling, some "miracle blankets" and found PLENTY of other things she and I will go back and pick up later. It is run (possibly owned) by a lactation consultant and she had plenty of tips and tricks for us. I'm sure we'll be spending plenty of time (and money) at the store :) (They do have a website, go check them out!)
We also went today to the Texas Teddy Bear Factory and built Stephanie's "Daddy Bear". I went there before school was out so it was empty. A friend (Kristin Ray) suggested that we take Stephanie's picture with one stuffed animal over the weeks/months and it's an easy way to see how much she is growing....LOVE the idea! So, of course, we had to go get a special bear for this :) Her first little "Daddy Bear" photo shoot are posted below....I took TONS of pictures...she went through a ton of emotions! Happy, Mad, REALLY mad, sleepy and then just cute and happy. Enjoy!
We also went today to the Texas Teddy Bear Factory and built Stephanie's "Daddy Bear". I went there before school was out so it was empty. A friend (Kristin Ray) suggested that we take Stephanie's picture with one stuffed animal over the weeks/months and it's an easy way to see how much she is growing....LOVE the idea! So, of course, we had to go get a special bear for this :) Her first little "Daddy Bear" photo shoot are posted below....I took TONS of pictures...she went through a ton of emotions! Happy, Mad, REALLY mad, sleepy and then just cute and happy. Enjoy!
Growing Fast
This is two short videos combined into one. They show Stephanie talking....she has alot to say (wonder where she gets that :) and then shows her SOUND ASLEEP in her Uncle Mikies arms....SNORING! So precious! I love my new camera! It makes catching every precious moment so easy!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
We gotta work this out.....
**Ignore mispellings! I type fast because she's waking up and spellcheck isn't working****
Well Miss Stephanie was up off and on last night from 1 until 6!!! She would ONLY sleep if she was being held on my shoulder (that's what mom and I did in the hospital and she's decided that's the only way she wants to sleep). With her sleeping I got online and did some research on Dr Sears website, looked through my Dr Sears books and also a book my good friend Kinome gave me, The Baby Whisperer (it's somewhere between attachment parenting and babywise). I have taken bits and pieces from Dr Sears and the Baby Whisperer and will see how this works for a few days. I just took what sounds good and right to me...just listening to my heart (strange how it pulls you in specific directions when really I have no idea what I'm doing!)
So far today has been MUCH better and I have actually gotten things done :) Stephanie has nursed, had some "play" time (which is my favorite) and when she gets fussy I swaddle her, snuggle her, give her a passy and then lay her down. She would fuss, I would pick her up, snuggle her some more and lay her back down....we did this about 6 times and then AMAZINGLY she went to sleep (WITHOUT being on my shoulder and rocked!!) and once she was asleep she stayed that way despite dogs barking and life going on around her. Her little cradle is in the living room so I can watch her, but also do dishes, watch some TV, do laundry and just function as a person :) So far I am feeling SO much better and the time I have with her when she's awake is so much fun! She's so precious to play with! She lays on our old mattress (in the living room) and I just play with her little hands, feet and steal as many kisses as I can.
She gets to have her FIRST BATH tonight! We'll have a bath around 8:30, then nurse and hopefully go to bed and sleep until around 2 or so (if we are able to be asleep by 10). I'll let you all know how it goes. All I know is today has been the best day of being a mommy yet! I got lots of precious time with Stephanie and also was able to do some household chores that are necessary for us to survive (like laundry and eating :)
Thanks for listening to my mommy story....will keep you posted on how things go :)
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
I'm TWO WEEKS old!
Yea! Ruffles on her tush!! This blanket was sent by the 506th, thanks!!
Such a big girl! She's in a real big girl outfit with socks and all :)
I can't get enough of her sleeping!!! So precious!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Okay, so I gave in.....
Well last night Miss Stephanie had me up from 2am until roughly 6am! She would nap if I was holding her....but if I even THOUGHT about putting her down she was wide awake! We nursed off and on, sucked on my pinky off and on and I just about pulled my hair out! I was NOT SMART and stayed up to work on my blog until her 2am feeding, thinking she would go back to sleep. So at 6am when I hadn't gotten ANY sleep and was going crazy I gave in....I busted out the passy and IT WORKED! She started sucking on it and was out cold, IN HER LITTLE BED and slept until 10:30!! So she is now a passy baby which will come in handy when we are coming home from mom and dads and she decides to SCREAM the whole way....this is also something she did last night (it must have been the weather changing!)
Monday, February 4, 2008
The Whole Story
**Sorry for any spelling mistakes! It's late and spellcheck won't work**
Okay, for all those who have been waiting THANK YOU for your patience! Here is Miss Stephanie Jo's story.....
I went into labor around 5am on Sunday, January 20th. Things slowly progressed until my contractions were 4 minutes apart around 2am or something. Mom took me to the hospital where Bonnie, Sandi and Dad met us. They checked me and watched me for about an hour....then sent me home. I was dialated to about a 2 ( I think). I went back home to labor....FOR DAYS!
I labored all day Monday and Tuesday with my contractions being 4 minutes apart for a few hours, then slowing down to the point where I could sleep for a few hours. By about 7 Tuesday night they were 2-5 minutes apart and I lost the desire to eat. We used this WONDERFUL webite my friend Katie (in Cali) told me about to start timing my contractions. They were coming at a regular basis, lasting about 1 1/2 minutes so we packed up and went to the hospital. This time I wouldn't let mom call ANYONE until they had checked me in and had an IV block put in. Around 10 she called Sandi and Bonnie and they came to the hospital (Dad went with mom and I). I labored in a regular room for a bit until they got the room across from the birthing tub clean. Once it was clean I got in the tub....LOVED IT! Laboring in the tub was WONDERFUL. Daddy stayed by my side the entire time and Sandi was a lifesaver putting pressure on my back in just the right place at just the right time. Mom and Bonnie sat waiting for me to need a drink or ice chips.
My dr let me labor in the tub until Wednesday morning around 9ish. He then made me get out so he could check me. I had been at a 7 for 5 hours or so. He told me I would HAVE to have an epidural and pitocin or would be having an emergency c section in a few hours. My utuerus had stopped working and my blood pressure was going up. I said okay...got the epidural and slept for about an hour and a half. At this point I woke up and told the nurse I wanted to push. She told me to wait....I tried to wait but called her again about 30 minutes later and told her I REALLY wanted to push. She got the dr, he came and checked and said to start pushing :) I pushed for about 30 minutes during which time my blood pressure soared into the stroke range and Stephanie's heart rate dropped and stayed super low. My dr kept reassuring mom that he would get both Stephanie and I through this....he did. He was amazing! I pushed....and the princess emerged :) Once she was out her heart rate was fine. The NICU nurses took her right away to be cleaned up (in my room) to be sure her lungs were clear and such. She was perfect. My blood pressure stayed up for a bit, but not as high as it had been. It is still up and down somewhat, but my dr said it may take a couple weeks to level out.
Stephanie and I were in the hospital until MONDAY! This was due to my blood pressure as well as a LAB ERROR with some of Stephanie's blood work that caused her to go to the NICU (just overnight) and then they ran tests for days to make sure all was well. The Brooks' girls went home Monday afternoon. We had a few bumps in the road with Stephanie's method of eating....but all is on track now and things are just amazing!
We have TONS of friends and family taking care of us! We have meals, plenty of people to love on Stephanie and checking to see how mom and baby are doing. Many thanks to all for their well wishes, prayer and unbelieveable support! This has been a wonderfully smooth transition due to you! Much love!!
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