Charlotte's birth

I basked in the sun all day long on Mothers Day.  Just sat on the porch and soaked up all the time I could with Liv, eating popsicles, playing in the water table, enjoying the sunshine and the simplicity of the day.

I knew Charlotte was going to make her debut soon.. I just didn't know when.  Mothers Day marked 3 days after her due date and I had an appointment the very next day to go to talk to my doctors about how long they would let me go before they decided to induce me. 

As the day came to an end, I got all of Liv's stuff ready for school the next day, laid out her clothes and got her to bed.  And then decided to catch up on some laundry.  I guess something inside told me not to go to bed.. although in hind sight, I probably should have!

Well 11:30 rolls around, and I started having mild contractions.  I had a fake out a couple nights earlier, so I just kept going about my business.  Olivia had woken up coughing, so I got her nebulizer set up and gave her a breathing treatment, just in case I would have to leave to go to the hospital.  Right in the middle of her treatment I had a contraction and the intensity was much greater than the last few had been.  That's when I knew I had to wake up Zach.. it was time!

We called my dad to come over to the house, and we gathered all of our bags, got Liv's big sister outfit ready to go for the next day and said our tearful good-byes. 

By the time we got in the truck around 12:45am, and headed to the hospital, my contractions were about 3 minutes apart and pretty intense.  I called my mom and she met us in the parking lot as we were walking to the Emergency Room door.  They wheeled me up, checked me in, and got me safely in my delivery room where soon I would meet my sweet girl for the first time.

Things slowed down after I got my epidural so Dr. Riojas came in and broke my water to speed up the process.  By 5:30 am I was dilated to a 10 and my nurse was telling me that I could start pushing whenever I was ready.  I couldn't feel much, but I knew it was time.  So after pushing on my side through a contraction, then rolling to my back to push through one more contraction, she came into the world!  6:04 am, 8lbs 1oz and 20-3/4 inches long.  Absolutely perfect and everything I imagined. 

They took her to clean her off, and I just kept saying, "I want to see her, I want to see her".  I remember finally seeing her face and thinking, "yes, I know her... she is exactly who I thought she would be."  Because it's a funny thing, to be carrying this child you love so much- but not even know who they are for 10 whole months.  But when they come out, it's like you've known them for a million years.  She reminded me of Liv at first, she looked so similar to me.  I just remember feeling like the luckiest mama on the face of the earth.  And I couldn't wait for Liv to meet her.  She brought this new element to my life and my heart, that no one really can prepare you for.  And at that moment, I felt like our family was whole.

The week leading up to Miss Charlotte

I still remember the week of Charlottes birth so vividly.  I was so excited to meet her, yet had so much anxiety about how it was going to effect Liv, and nervous about how it all would play out. 
I'm a planner, notorious for it.  I have to have everything planned out in my head, or else I feel out of control.  And going into labor, was no different. 

Liv had a field trip on May 7th to the Zoo (2 days before Charlotte's due date) and I intended on being there .  When May was approaching, and my belly kept growing and growing, everyone told me I was crazy to attempt walking around the Zoo all day, if I even made it that long.  But I knew better.  Olivia was 4 days late, and I was certain Charlotte would follow big sisters lead.  We use the term "fashionably late" pretty loosely around our house. 

Well May 7th came, and no baby.  So, to the Zoo we went!  We walked around all day, let the kids run around, had a picnic.  It was hot, but it was perfect and I was so thankful not to miss it.  When I put my mind to something, I'll be damned if it doesn't work out the way I want.  I think everyone was convinced that all that walking would throw me into labor.. and we had a plan if so.  Mimi came along to be my "designated driver" just in case.  But after walking around all day, no signs of labor, just a good ol' day at the Zoo, with a side of edema to go along with it.  Holy ankles!

 A couple days came and went, my due date being one of them... then it was Mothers Day weekend.  I remember thinking that for sure she was going to be my Mother's Day gift.  But again, one more day down, no baby. 

I enjoyed that day with Liv though, sitting in the sun while she played at her water table and little pool.  Eating popsicle after popsicle, just relaxing and watching her play.  Knowing that this time, of being with just her, was coming to an end very soon.  And very soon was right.  Around 11:00 that night, it was finally time. 

So.. it's been awhile

I can't believe it's almost been a year since I've blogged!


It's been on my to-do list since I gave birth to Charlotte.  So many things have happened, and I knew I would forget about all the sweet day to day things we've experienced, if I didn't write them down. 


Well she is turning 11 months old next week, and not one picture or memory has been documented on here. 


I've got my work cut out for me, but I am going to attempt to back track as much as possible... forgive the picture dumping that is about to happen.


xo,
B

38 weeks!

I almost can't believe it.  2 weeks until little Miss C is due to make her arrival! 

We are all so ready... especially mama!


I can't wait to hold you in my arms sweet girl!  Love you so much already!

We're getting close!

Only a few short weeks away until you become the best big sister ever!  So we decided to take a class that the hospital was offering for siblings. 

You of course were a natural ;)  I know you'll do great! 

I can't wait to see you holding your sister for the first time!  Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. 

I love you just so very much.

Rockstar!

There are a million and one things that I love about you, Liv.  But honestly, your creativity, confidence, and ability to just be you, has to be one of the things I love the very most. 

You rock, my love. 

 Miss Fashion Forward

 

Trying out the new guitar bub got you!

Easter!

I love this time of year.  When the weather starts to change and flowers start blooming.  It brings so much hope, and happiness. 

We had a lot of fun getting ready for Easter this year.  Lots of egg dying and decorating, candy hunts, and time with family and friends. 

Yay for SPRING!!!

 Tammy's Easter Egg Hunt!

 

 Twinsies!

Easter Morning egg hunt!

 

Look at this giant bunny the Easter Bunny brought you at Papa and Cherdyls!! 

 

It's going to take a long time to finish this thing...

 

 

Fun at Grammy's

Happy Easter, sweet girl.  We love you.