My Pretty Little Sleeper

Two weeks have gone by already and we have had such a blast! Wally and I are so much in love with our new little one - we can't hardly stand it. We think she's the most beautiful baby in the world!!!

Likes: eating, sleeping, cuddling, the swing when she's calm

Dislikes: changing the diaper, bathtime, sleeping for more than 2 hours at night, the swing when she's fussy

Know what I love? I love what she does with her hands while she's sleeping. So, since she sleeps most of the day, I am able to take some pictures of her sleeping so cutely! Here are my favorites:

Oh! Know what else I love? Her YAWN!

Caroline James Doyle

The Easter Bunny was SO GOOD to us this year!

Caroline James Doyle was born on Saturday, April 11 2009 at 1:56 PM! She was 6 lbs., 3 oz, 18 inches long.

Obviously, we've had quite a busy weekend. If you read the last entry of this blog, I had a OB appointment late Friday afternoon with not much change. After I got home from my appointment, I noticed some bleeding. I was certain it was a result of the exam at my appointment but it was enough to scare me a little. So, Wally and I headed to the ER just to get checked out. They admitted me to monitor things then decided to let me stay the night because I technically was in "early labor" and continuing to dilate. I would see the doctor on Saturday morning to decide if I should go home to ride it out or if they were going to keep me. At 8:30 AM on Saturday, the doctor examined me and I was 5 cm dilated and still 90% effaced. Then, I got the news...they were going to do my epidural, start the ptossin and break my water.

WHAT!?!? I mean, I knew it was a possibility, but seriously!?!?

So, they did the epidural and started the ptossin at about 10:30, broke my water at 12:30 and Caroline was delivered at 1:56 PM. I have nothing to compare my labor to but it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. My contractions were still very painful and I thought I handled it very well. Wally was definitely my rock throughout all this. To be quite honest, I was real worried about how he was going to handle everything. If you know Wally, he doesn't tend to be sympathetic. But, he was AMAZING and I couldn't have asked for anything better. He has proven to be a wonderful father already and it comes so naturally to him.

Here are some pictures from the big day!!!

The happy family

The adorable wreath that Wally's cousins made

The going home outfit that Meredith monogrammed

This is how she holds her paci...I love it!

Another Appointment...

...but not much change - I am 4 cm dilated now, and still 90% effaced. I am still having contractions. Some are consistent, but generally not. I timed them for the heck of it on Wednesday night. Most were 12-15 minutes apart; some were 5 minutes apart, some were 20 minutes apart. So, basically I'm still waiting!!!! I go back to the doctor on Thursday...unless I go in sooner!!!

Latest Projects

I put the swing together myself!

I put the carseat in my car, too. Actually, I'm not leaving the carseat in my car yet, but I am leaving the base in it. But, here's what it looks like!

37 Week Update

It looks like we MAY have a little Easter Bunny this week! I'm now 3 cm dilated and 90% effaced. When I was at the doctor's office today, the doctor that saw me was able to feel that, yes, I am having contractions - and they are the real thing! So, right now I am taking it easy (per my own recommendations!) and finishing up some loose ends - just in case Miss Priss decides to come sooner rather than later. I'll be in touch!

36 Week Update

Here's an update for you - I'm 2 cm dilated!!! I know I could stay that way for a while, but I also know how quickly things can progress, too! I've said for some time now that I think she is going to be 3 weeks early. For no reason in particular, just a feeling I have. Well, 3 weeks early is NEXT WEEK! Also, there's a full moon on Thursday, April 9th. Could it be that day? All my stats continue to check out very well at the doctors office, now we're just waiting for the little one to make her debut!

I've been feeling pretty good...most of the time. I continue to have Braxton Hicks contractions that can be pretty uncomfortable at times. She is still camped out right in front of my ribs, which makes me wonder when she is ever going to drop. Other than those few physical "complaints", I've been doing really well. She still moves ALL the time - which surprises me because I would have thought she'd be running out of room in there. Wally likes to say that she's "burrowing". I know I am going to terribly miss the feeling of her moving around in there - in a couple of more weeks, she won't just be all mine. But, I know that once she arrives, those thoughts will never cross my mind. We're getting so anxious to meet her! The nursery is as complete as it can be (until Miss Priss arrives, of course) and my bags are packed!

Here's an updated bump picture (35 weeks, 2 days)

Doyle Family Shower

On Saturday, March 28, Wally's three sisters - Kerry Doyle, Wendy Smith & Ashley Alderman -  gave me a shower at Croissant's Bakery. Check out all my loot!!

Work Shower

I had a lovely shower thrown for me last week at work. I got so many great items off of my registry. This baby is going to have everything she'll ever need!!! Here are some pictures from the luncheon.

The adorable cupcake cake!

I think this has been Wally's favorite gift so far - the Turtle Shower!

Wendy Martin got Caroline this PRECIOUS dress - I can't wait for her to wear it next summer!

Me with the lovely hostesses - Sheila Wroten, Corinne Merrill & Lisa Urban