Mother's Day and Family Visits

Taylor arrived just in time for me to celebrate my very first Mother's Day!  I couldn't have asked for a better present than this sweet little girl.  My mom, Kendall, Courtney and Bill came over for a delicious brunch of breakfast casserole, french toast casserole, coffee cake muffins and fruit.  It was a beautiful day and nice spending time with everyone after a busy few days.

We have a large, loving and local family that has been very supportive since Taylor's arrival.  We have had several visitors over the past week and Taylor is bound to be one spoiled little girl.

AMAZING Things Come In Tiny Packages

The past week has been a whirlwind.  My due date came and went last Saturday, May 4th.  After being told by my doctors for three weeks that I would "definitely be early", needless to say I was very disappointed when she didn't even make her due date.  I came to to terms with it and kept telling myself it would happen when it was meant to happen.

I went to my next appointment scheduled that following Monday morning which just so happened to be her Daddy's 34th birthday.  They performed a non-stress test since I was past my due date and confirmed that I was having exactly ZERO contractions.  The doctor said my dilation and effacement was great (as it had been for about 3 weeks) and he was comfortable inducing me as early as the next day.  As soon as I heard that my mentality that she would come when she was ready was OUT the window.  I immediately jumped on  his offer and was scheduled to be admitted Tuesday May 7th at 7:30 am to be induced.

Well, Little Miss Taylor had other plans.  At around 2:45 that morning I woke up with what felt like strong cramping.  I quickly learned the difference between Braxton Hicks and The Real Thing.  They started right off the bat at 5 minutes apart and got significantly stronger each time.  I took a quick shower and then woke Craig up around 3:30.  We were at the hospital by 4:30 am and I graciously accepted my epidural around 5:45 am.  Our families started arriving around 7:30 and were able to stay right in the suite with us until about 1:30 that afternoon when the real action began.

I could go on and on and on (and probably will in the coming weeks), but I'll suffice to say that at 2:45 pm my entire life changed forever in the most remarkable way.  There are absolutely no words to describe the feeling when I first say that little girl and felt her tiny little body on my chest.  She.Is.Perfect.

We left the hospital 2 days later and have been spending every moment since completely absorbed in Baby Taylor's every breath.  I'll finish up with a few more pictures for now.  Time to get back to my sweet little one!

40 weeks! D Day is Upon Us!

How Far Along?: 39 weeks 6 days (I cheated by a day in this post)
Total weight gain/loss: +26lbs
Maternity clothes: Yes and ready to go back to my old clothes!
Stretch Marks: None!  I made it!
Sleep:  Pretty good actually.  Trying to get as much as I can over the next few days.
Best Moment This Week: Hearing Taylor's heartbeat on Monday and the doctor telling me she'll be here "anyday now".  We're still waiting but  the official due date is tomorrow.  Cross your fingers!
Miss Anything:  Sushi!  It sounds so refreshing with the weather warming up!
Movement:  Still a lot.  I know she has to be cramped in there.  She does a lot of stretching and my ribs often seem to get in here way.
Food Cravings: Fruit, Veggies and Water
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really.  Sometimes when I talk a lot I get light headed, but no nausea.
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs:  Yes, several.  I just need these consistent contractions to start showing up!
Belly Button: Out :)
Wedding Rings on or off: Still on!
Happy or Moody: Pretty Happy.  I've had the bursts of energy you read so much about.  I'm just so anxious for her arrival!
Looking forward to: D Day!