Seven Months

I have totally been slacking on posting blogs...but I have not been slacking in life! LOL I have been very busy. Aleah is changing and growing faster than I would like...and of course there is nothing I can do to stop it. Trust me if there was a way I would freeze time.

Well in this post I am going to let the pictures do the talking...she is cute enough to forgive my laziness :) So here it goes...

Here we all are on Easter...she looked adorable as always...

 

I am so in love with this face...

 

 

 

My BFF Sara and I had a play date and she took some amazing pictures of Aleah at 6 months. She did such an awesome job and they are even more precious to me because Sara took them!

 

 

All Ready for Church!

 

She is so precious when she sleeps...once again...can someone figure out how to slow down the time!!!

 

 

Introduction to the Sippy cup...she doesn't get it yet...but sure loves her new toy :)

 

Ok...hers are much chubbier/adorable...but she definitely has my toes. I couldn't resist painting those adorable piggies!!!

 

 

Jason and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary and enjoyed our first night away as new parents. It was so nice to get away. We spoiled ourselves with massages, Tons of food, Pool and hot tub time...and a night out with friends. It was so nice to go out as a couple without multiple bags, bottles, diapers, blowouts, pacifiers and car seats. Don't get me wrong, Jason said he gave me a D+ for how much I talked about Aleah and how much I text back and forth with the babysitter (A.K.A. Oma and Opa) I love this man and we have so much fun together as a family but it was very nice to spend some much needed alone time with him. We had a blast!

 

 (this picture is a few years old)

 

On a sad note...this past week my Opa passed away. He lived a full 90 years of life. He was an All American Christian Man that lived life to the fullest and without regrets. There were so many things that I loved about my Opa. Outside of the fun loving Opa that always picked on me, beat us all at poker, and never understood how my generation dressed (the length of my skirts) He was a hard working family man who was dedicated to his wife of 65 years. My heart aches for my Oma...it has been a hard week for all of us...I am just thankful that I was fortunate to enjoy my Opa for almost 35 years of my life and will get to see him again at the gates of heaven. I only wish I could hug him one more time...

 

 

 

 

 

Four Months

Well it has been too long since my last post. Needless to say we have been VERY busy. Thanksgiving Christmas and New Years have past and I honestly cannot believe the end of February is approaching!

Unfortunately with the holidays and new baby in our lives my crafty and creative posts and Projects are on hold...but they will resume I promise.

Well our amazing baby girl is growing at a rapid rate...as all children do. She is now 14 pounds and almost 24 inches long. She loooooves her bottle and lets you know (very loudly) when it is time to eat. the holidays were a blast and it was fun showing her off to everyone.

 

 

She is such a joy to be around...developing her personality and always jumping in on conversation.

 

It really is shocking to me that in just a few months she has grown from this

 

To this...

 

Time really does fly by.... Here she is at one month...

Here she is at four months...

 

So fun to compare pictures.

 

Aleah brings joy, fun and entertainment to our lives everyday. It is such a joy being a Mom and I sometimes still cannot believe that I am a Mom. We are so blessed with such an amazing little girl. As I sit and write this...I am still a little sweaty from running (trying to get my body back) have not brushed my teeth, and probably won't get a shower till around 3pm...I have to say my daily routine has done a complete 180 since Aleah was born. It has taken time and a lot of planning to adjust to her schedule...yes I said HER schedule....she pretty much rules the house. I feel like I have gotten into a good routine with her, and she has helped me do that by sleeping through the night.

 

More than the adjustment to daily routine is the adjustment that we (women) go through when you become a Mommy for the first time. First it is recovery, sleepless nights, worry, questions, emotions...and the list goes on. As time has gone by it becomes less about adjusting to routine and for me it has been more about adjusting to my new identity and the yearning to hang on to the "old" me. Because I work from home 90% of the time, there are many days when I don't even leave the house (so thankful I have a job that allows me to this thought) and when I do, it is an exciting trip to Walmart to get groceries. Sometimes I feel the world is flying past me as I live in pajamas and work out clothes..seeing the world through the eyes of Pinterest and Facebook. Without those I would only know the latest fashions by what I see on the rack at Walmart and the Today Show haha...sad I know.  Sometimes I look at all of the clothes in my closet and wonder why I have so many when I really only get ready once or twice a week. Then my mind thinks of other things...Why do I have all this great makeup? hair products? Jewelry? Shoes? Its almost like looking at an archive of what my life used to be. Then there is the actual fitting into some of those clothes...some of them will be heading to donation...my body just isn't the same. All of us women struggle with that...well maybe someday I will get back into those jeans...and maybe I will. Only time will tell. As all of these things run through my mind...it can sound pretty depressing...like who am I? Do I have a purpose? Am I just Aleah's Mom? Jason's wife? A house cleaner? Butt wiper? Lunch maker? Cooker? and the list goes on again...and that's when I realize that YES that is exactly what I am and it matters! 

 

I was reminded in a song this week by Steven Curtis Chapman...here are some of the lyrics

 

Well let me remind you, it all matters just as long
As you do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you,
Cause he made you,
To do
Every little thing that you do
To bring a smile to His face
Tell the story of grace
With every move that you make
And every little thing you do

 

It was exactly what I needed to hear when I was starting to feel like everything I do really isn't important. So if I reword what I wrote above it should sound like this.....

 

Who am I? I am the proud mother of a beautiful girl named Aleah. I have a wonderful husband and I am happy to be his wife. I have a nice clean home. I get to wipe Aleah's cute butt everyday because she is mine! I am honored to cook for someone who likes my food and devours every bite...and I am so blessed that I have been given all of this so undeserving.

 

Change is hard for everyone....and although I have days, like the above whining may sound to some of you...I take one look at my two favorite bald people (see below) and know that I make them complete just like they complete me, here in this little corner of the world.

The old me...is exactly that...OLD NEWS!

We all have selfish moments here and there...

I am personally learning to love every bit of this new normal and new jean size :)

 

 

Aleah Marie

 

October 12, 2012 at 11:11 am...Aleah made her grand entrance to the world and melted our hearts immediately. She was born 7 pounds 1 ounce and 21 inches long. Everything went well with the c-section, minus my blood pressure dropping very low. The doctor told us she was out (and peeing as she came out..haha) and then we heard some suction and her first cry....we looked at each other and just melted. They lifted her above the sheet and I got to see my baby girl for the first time. It was a moment that I will never forget. Jason was by her side immediately as they cleaned her up and took all her vitals and measurements. As soon as he could he brought her over to me. I was so glad that Jason got those first moments of bonding time with her...it was amazing to watch him talk to her and sooth her. He was a natural from the moment she was in his arms...it was amazing to watch as I lay there getting stitched up.

 

 

 

Once I was all put back together they moved us to recovery and I got to really get a good look at our baby girl. She was exactly what I had prayed for...beautiful and perfect in every way. We were able to bond skin to skin and have almost a full hour of family time just the three of us. Aleah must have already felt very comfortable because she pooped on me in recovery, and since I was numb I didn't even feel it till they lifted her off to move us to our room. Jason thought it was just hilarious!!! Ha!

 

We are so thankful for our healthy Baby girl! Everything went perfect and we couldn't be happier! We thank God daily for our little bundle of Joy.

 

 

 

 

 

COMING HOME...

 

The first week home was so amazing and such a wonderful bonding time for the three of us. Jason and I were in awe by Aleah and we would just sit and stare at her. Words cannot even explain the emotions we felt for her and each other. Jason has been so helpful since we have been home helping with laundry, cleaning, and making sure we both have everything we need.

 

I wish I could say that the last four weeks have been easy....but I would be lying. We have had a few bumps...first one being that Aleah continued to lose weight, so we found out she was not latching on good to me and now I am having to pump and bottle feed her. Thankfully I have increased my milk supply so I only had to supplement with formula for a week. She has never learned to latch on correctly so it looks like I will be pumping and bottle feeding from here on out. I am just happy that she is getting breast milk either way. The second week home, I caught a nasty cold..which I then gave to her :( Poor thing. I also got Mastitis. If anyone has ever had that, they know how miserable it is. I had a temperature of 101.6, terrible body aches, chills and a splitting headache. It was horrible. As a Mom, it never matters if we are sick...the show must go on. The first few weeks she was getting up every two hours, but we have gotten into a routine now and she is up to four hours at night. Which is HEAVEN to me! Gone are the days when I sleep in or get 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. (which is expected with a newborn)

 

 

 This picture was taken a week after she was born. Can you tell we are proud? Ha! I have recovered amazingly well. It was not at all as painful as I thought it would be and I have been able to get around really well!

 

Through all the sleepless nights...I have to say that when I am dead tired, my hormones are all messed up and trying to adjust to this new normal...this face makes it all worth it.

 

 

People have always said that having a baby can cause stress and strain on a marriage, but I have to say that the opposite is true for Jason and I. It truly has brought us closer together in a new way. We are such a good team and I couldn't ask for a better husband and father. He is so amazing with her. When I struggle to get her to sleep sometimes at night, he has the magic touch that knocks her out. He puts her on his chest and she snuggles up to him and she is lights out in minutes.She obviously knows how safe she is in Daddy's arms...and I can honestly say that Jason has become a new person.

Jason said to me recently how after a stressful day at work all he has to do is pick her up and look at her cute face...and the stress just melts away. I have to say...I don't have an ounce of jealousy for the new love in his life :) haha.It makes me love him even more and I didn't know that was possible.

 

 

Such a proud Daddy

 

 

As for me...being a Mom is one of the most amazing things that has ever happened to me. I can't tell Aleah enough how much I love her. I constantly stare at her in awe and wonder at the gift that God has blessed us with. It has put so many things into perspective. Things that I once thought were important no longer matter...and neither Jason and I can imagine what life was like without her in it. She is the perfect addition to us...and I could not be happier with the new love in our lives and the new love and appreciation that we now have for each other as well.

 

 

 

As I said in my last blog...I know that Aleah will teach us so much about life, each other, and what is important...and she hasn't even taken her first breath yet....

I can honestly say that her first breath changed us forever and she HAS taught us so much already in her four short weeks of life.

 

Aleah Marie Arnett...we are so proud of you and all the joy that you bring to us everyday.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made...a child of God...

A princess in his kingdom and ours...we love you!

 

 

 

 

Final Baby Bump Post - Almost 9 Months

Almost Nine Months....and it is all coming to an end, at least the being pregnant part. I am definitely stretched to the max, and I am glad that we are delivering a week early, although I am not excited about a c-section. Everything has been progressing normally except for her not dropping and turning, so I am very thankful for that. Jason and I still can't believe how fast time has gone by! Ready or not, she is going to be in our arms this week, and two will become three :)

We are scared and excited all at the same time. It is amazing how much one can worry about someone that you have never met or even seen. I told Jason that I would give one of my limbs for her to be perfect...not sure I have ever felt that way about anyone before. As it gets closer and closer it is amazing to me how helpful it is when Jason will just grab my hand or tummy and say a prayer. He has helped so much in the last few weeks to relieve my worry and stress. We pray constantly that she is healthy and know that no matter the outcome God has blessed us with an amazing gift of life that he created just for us. I was reminded of that today...while driving and one of my favorite songs by Casting Crowns came on the radio and I cranked it up. Aleah immediately began jumping around in my tummy...reminding me she is okay...and that she loves Casting Crowns haha! I am not surprised .It was one of the first concerts that I took her too :) I'm pretty sure that it was also God reminding me of who is in control and that he will never give us more than we can handle.

 

A good friend of ours Lindsay Brubaker (wife of Jason's best friend Ben) came over to capture some pictures of us in our last weeks of being pregnant. She is dabbling in photography and I think she is off to a really good start! These are some of my favorites...

 

 

As I look back on almost 40 weeks of pregnancy I thought I would make a list of things that I will miss about being pregnant and things that I will NOT miss. I asked Jason the same thing, so he had some input in this list as well

 

Things I will miss...

 

The excuse to eat WHATEVER I want :)

 

People letting me cut in line at the grocery store

 

People always offering me their seat or chair

 

The first time I felt her kick

 

The nice and big perky boobs (Jason)

 

Always a reason to go out to eat or do something because we won't be able to once she is born (Jason)

 

My fast growing and thicker hair

 

SLEEP...knowing she won't let me for a while :)

 

Watching my tummy move

 

 

 

 

Things I will NOT miss...

 

Not being able to eat WHATEVER I want (lunch meat, Blue Cheese, Sushi..etc)

 

Complete strangers telling me their graphic delivery story in the middle of the grocery store

 

The woman next to me while getting a pedicure asking me a million questions from what her name is...or if I am going to use disposable diapers...really?

 

Bigger boobs (sorry Jason)

 

Sleeping on my side (I'm a back sleeper)

 

The guy that rubbed my belly at a wedding... no clue who he was! Is it ever OK to touch a woman in the mid section that you don't know? NEVER!!!

 

Complete strangers telling me how my pregnancy will be!

 

Seeing or being able to reach my feet!

 

Walking into a room and everyone looks at your belly..weird but everyone does it! Haha

 

My neediness and mood swings...(Jason) I think I have been completely normal :)

 

The constant depleting wardrobe...I miss my skinny jeans!!!

 

Her hiccups (Sorry Aleah)

 

Heartburn

 

 

 

Although my WILL NOT miss list is longer...I have to say that being pregnant has been one of the most amazing and enjoyable experiences that I have had in my life. Although I know that my body has been changed forever and will take some work to get it back into shape, I cannot imagine that any of that will matter once I hold her in my arms for the first time. Jason and I know that life as we know it is about to change forever, but we know that the changes and sacrifices that we will make, will all be for the better. I know that Aleah will teach us so much about life, each other, and what is important...and she hasn't even taken her first breath yet.

We already thank God for her and the amazing plans he has for all three of us!

 

So...this Friday October 12, 2012 around 10:30am, we will welcome our baby girl Aleah Marie into the world.. she hase no idea how much she is already loved.

 

Jason and I will begin the next journey in this crazy life together...

as Mommy and Daddy...

 

Let the next chapter begin...

 

 

 

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

 

Psalm 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 Months!!!

 

8 months and it shows! This month has been VERY busy...pretty much like the rest. Have I really been pregnant 8 months? Where does time go? I am still feeling good, but definitely struggle to do things that used to be easy, like tie my shoes and pick things up off the floor. Getting dressed is sometimes a chore too!

 

Aleah is very active these days..kicking and turning inside of me. She has a strong heartbeat and is developing at a perfect rate. She has unfortunately taken after both of her parents and has become set in her ways and VERY stubborn. She is still breech! This past Monday my doctor decided to schedule a c-section, so Aleah will be arriving on October 12th at 10:30 am. Although I do not want to have a c-section, I just want her to get here in the safest way possible.

 

One good thing about her being breech is that I get to see her every week now till she is born. This is her latest picture! She is laying on her side. I can't wait to see her in person!!!

 

 

We were so blessed to have two showers this month! We got so many gifts for our baby girl! Here are a few pictures from each of them.

 

 

Jason and his Nephews even got in on the fun :)

 

 

 

Thank you to all of our family and friends for all you have done!

 

I will make one more post the day before she is born...can't believe that is only 16 days away!!!

I am so excited...nervous...scared...anxious...happy...pretty much every emotion you can possibly think of! Funny how that is how I felt when I saw a positive test, and now again at the end :)