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Elegantly Rose Birth Announcement

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It's the small moments ....

It truly is the small things that make me happy. It makes each day enjoyable. Lily Anne came home from school yesterday all smiles. Her smiles lights up the room. She has a strong personality....sometimes it gets the best of her, but yesterday she shared her smiles with the camera.

Olivia slept most of yesterday...must be so NICE!! And gave us a pretty good night of sleep. only waking at 12am for food, then 2am for the paci.

oh the paci...I could curse it....but I love that it comforts her.

Chin Up or should I said Head Up.

What more can I say than "sisters". Lily Anne shared her blanket with Olivia this morning. Lily Anne does not share it with anyone or anything. But this was them on the couch watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Then it was off to school (daycare) for Lily Anne and work for Daddy. Me and Olivia enjoyed some music and Olivia showing me she is growing up. She is starting to gain some head control and lifting it off the ground.

After all that working out she napped in her swing for the morning. Oh the life!!!

Trying to get life to normal....

The joys of having Two under Two.... life has been so interesting. Actually the house got turned upside down and we are now finding our way to our "new" comfortable life. Some things are easier the second time around and then there are things that are harder than ever.

Lily Anne is adjusting very well to being a big sister. Although we have more meltdowns because she has to share the spot light with everyone (including Mom and Dad). This alone is her biggest adjustment. She loves her sister and kisses her all the time. Lily Anne has really taken to her baby dolls and whatever I do with Olivia she does to her baby dolls. I love watching her play mommy.

Lily Anne talks so much now and repeats almost everything. I am working so hard on her saying "olivia"...she just looks at me funny. So she calls her "O" or Baby.

Olivia is a growing weed. Each day brings a new joy and smile to our faces. She is still fitting into her new born clothes. She is a peanut! She is so different from her sister. She is very calm and chill. (except when hungry, wet, tired or gassy) We have had a time trying to find the right bottle and formula. After a few tries we are on a good road.

Mom and Dad....we are making it and taking each day as it comes. No two days are the same. I am enjoying my maternity leave and taking it easy while I can. Somedays are extremely boring others I barely have time to shower.

I have stopped breastfeeding. Olivia was so much better than Lily Anne ever was at it. But it is just not for me. First, I hate the emotional roller coaster it puts me on. (the constant worry) Second, I hate not being able to go to far or a long time because of the feeding schedule. Third, I love spending time with Lily Anne and I felt like I was always feeding. I tried to pump to see if that would help...nope...so we started to wean. Forth, my boobs are just not the best milks makers...enough said!
**Now with that said...I did love the feeling of being so close to Olivia and the bond.

so for now...Olivia's newborns.

Olivia's Arrival

Olivia Claire made her own arrival on Mother's Day. May 8th at 4:22am.. weighing 5lbs 15ozs, 19in long. She is a little peanut...but brings so much joy to our household.

So, Saturday we chilled out with Lily Anne. Went for a walk in the cool morning, Mich and I talked about the changes that were coming on Wednesday. We played in the back yard and soaked up some sun and Lily Anne enjoyed the kiddie pool.
After dinner and putting Lily Anne down for bed. Mich told me I could relaxed and sleep in on Sunday. He and Lily Anne will be making breakfast and I was so happy! So I took a nice bath and got ready for bed. After the bath, I started having braxton hicks, SO I THOUGHT! But after 45 minutes of them not stopping. I grabbed a bottle of water and some Coco Pebbles...yeah I know. But I thought maybe I need food and water. Nope...nothing was helping. I grabbed my cell and starting timing them. The contractions were all over the place. So I told Mich that I was in some pain. After about a few more, it became unbearable and brought on some tears. I called the Dr. and my parents. Then called my best friend Crystal to sit with Lily Anne (who was sound a sleep) at the house until my parents arrived.

Once at the hospital, the nursed checked me and said "oh, you are about 5cm, you are staying and do you want a epi?" yes! please. So, L&D Room 4... the anth..came in to do the epi, saying "wow she is so calm and queit for someone who is 7/7.5cm" I thought WTH...then I figured the nurse lied to get the epi quicker. Which I did not complain. Well, bust my bubble. The nurse told me once the epi was in that I truly was 7/7.5cm and she did not want me to freak out.

So after 3 hours....Olivia Claire came out as beautiful as can be. We were so proud!!!!

Lily Anne meeting Olivia Claire for the first time.....she loved her.
Mich's dad with Lily Anne and Olivia
Small moments are the ones we charish the most!

38 weeks and School Photos

How Far Along: 38.5 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 24lbs.... no change

Is your nursery done? as much as it is going to be at the moment.

Are you getting nervous? yes...but more about bringing her home and Lily Anne's reaction. I am excited that she is coming really soon!

Have you dropped yet? yes, OH YES!!!

Any other signs that baby is on their way? I have contractions (to which I refer as Braxton Hicks) that are all over the place. However, I am dilated to 3 or 3.5 cm.

How do you feel in general? I feel pretty good. I am not sleeping very much at night but I wake up in a good mood...GO FIGURE.

What are you getting the most excited about? to actually have her in my arms.

Any big fears or concerns? how will Lily Anne adjust once we are all home. Having a newborn again scares me a little.

What is in your hospital bag? cord blood kit, her coming home outfit, pjs for me and pjs for Mich.... need to work on the rest.

Are you exercising? Yup, about 2 miles of walking at night. I have since the start...except on bad weather days.

How many more days until D-Day? um.... ?? but Eviction day is May 11th at 5:30am

What are you doing to keep yourself occupied if you’re on leave already? I am still working! keeps my mind distracted.

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School photos.... the joys of them. This year they had Teddy Bear Portraits do them. I am not impressed at all. First they are very EXPENSIVE!!!! Second, you get to view them at the center and you must purchase on the spot. Um, no thanks! For $150...you can keep the packet you put together!

But I was horrible...I took photos with my cell...

37 weeks....

and here we go....

How Far Along: 37 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 24lbs....

Is your nursery done? 75%.... I working a little on it each night after Lily Anne goes to bed. It is really hard to work on it with her undoing things! I know she just wants to help....but oh my...

What is your favorite piece of baby gear that you've purchased? Our glider.... I moved it from Lily Anne room. (she got a new comfy chair...it is really nice too)

Which stroller did you buy? Chicco.

How many inches around is that bump? I have never measured.

Are you getting nervous? just a little...but not about labor or the hospital stay...but about the your are home...

Have you dropped yet? um...I think a little...only because she is SO low.

Any other signs that baby is on their way? I am dialated...and she is really low...does that mean anything... I dunno.

How do you feel in general? actually I feel pretty great. I am tired at the end of the day and definitely not sleeping good at all....but I am happy each day. Enjoying the last weeks of pregnancy instead of wishing it away.

What are you getting the most excited about? to actually meet her. I have felt her the whole time...to be able to put her in my arms...ahh...

Any big fears or concerns? how will Lily Anne adjust once we are all home. Having a newborn again scares me a little.

What is in your hospital bag? nothing...it is not even packed. I need to get on that I guess.

Are you exercising? Yup, about 2 miles of walking at night. I have since the start...except on bad weather days.

How many more days until D-Day? um....

What are you doing to keep yourself occupied if you’re on leave already? I am still working! keeps my mind distracted.

36 weeks and updates

So we had our 36 week appt yesterday. We had another growth u/s to check everything because I am measuring small. (although I feel freaking huge)



So... Olivia is measuring 5lb 15oz. My fluid level is low (borderline at 6.5cm)...anything below 5cm in LOW.

**so we have another u/s schedule for May 4th at 38 weeks.**



Me... BP was back to normal, no protein this time (thank goodness for both!) gained 2lbs. Not bad! 1st Internal (yucky): Olivia is really low! and I am 1 cm. Both mean nothing to me!

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Lily Anne....where does one start with her? She has become my chatter box! I AM SO GLAD TO HEAR HER TALKING!!!! I do have to really listen to figure some of it out...but some words are so clear. She also has started to play mommy and me. Loves her baby dolls and is so sweet to them. Fun to watch her play and not notice that I am watching.



Now, the ugly....She is becoming INDEPENDENT!!! Wants to do everything herself. Gets really mad when she can not. I offer to help and seems to make matters worse. Usually ends up with both of us mad. She also had her first session in TIME OUT on Sunday afternoon. Nothing was making her listen and all she wanted to do was throw stuff and scream. This behavior does not work in our household. So I resorted to time out and it worked. I chillled out for a minute, she screamed...but stayed there. When her minute was up we talked and gave hugs and kisses. Lily Anne was great for the rest of the evening! SHOCKED!!!

35 weeks. hum....

How Far Along: 35 weeks and several days.... but 30 days to go!!! How much does baby weigh: most like 4lbs... I know what all the literature says... 5 to 6lbs. But seriously Lily Anne was on born at 6lbs (39 weeks)...so small babies! Maternity clothes: yes 100% but I am growing tired of wearing the same thing! Cravings: OJ... Sleep: what is sleep? I spend the night....up and down. Bathroom, get comfy, roll due to hips, sleep.... then repeat 2 hours later. Movement: it is a daily and nightly battle with her. She is all over the place....boxing ring or soccer field.... Belly button in or out: Innie! What I miss: not being so tired lately. What I'm looking forward to: Next Wednesday. We get to see Olivia on the u/s one last time. it is to check on her since we are measuring just a little small. Milestone: 30 days or less to go!!!!!!!

34 weeks

How Far Along: 34 weeks and few days

Size of baby: I am guessing around 4lbs...

Total Weight Gain/Loss: as of Moday at the dr appt....+19lbs

Maternity Clothes: pretty much all my clothes now.

Gender: Girl - Olivia Claire

Movement: Lots of it. I am enjoying 90% of the time.

Sleep: Some nights are really good others...I am not sure I sleep.

Symptoms: I am still struggling with heartburn! it is just nutz

What I Miss: being able to move quickly, a nice glass of wine!!

Best Moment of the week: we got the artwork yesterday! Now to funish the nursery this weekend hopefully.

What I am looking forward to: April 20th! I am having another u/s in 3d to check on Olivia. I am ready to see her one last time!