And she's here..

Funny how life never goes as planned. But, I like surprises.


Especially this one.

The past week has been filled with so much anticipation. I was getting closer to Hartley's due date (Feb. 5th) and convincing myself that she was going to arrive January 29.. or sooner if she wanted. As Tuesday progressed, Marshall informed me that our insurance plan was going to be changing and Hartley would need to wait until February 1st, otherwise our new plan wouldn't be in effect. And, Marshall was on-call this week, meaning she seriously needed to wait until Monday.



But this little fuzz monkey is stubborn.. she had plans of her own and let me know Wednesday morning. That's definitely her Daddy's conniving look.

At 8:41am, with the dogs in bed, I awakened to a tiny twinge of pain in my stomach.. and yup.. [boys look away] wet panties. My first thought was, "Was that what I thought it was?" And my second, "I just used the bathroom 40 minutes ago!"

I waddle to the bathroom only to trickle some more and get excited/nervous/worried/slightly freaked out. So, who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters?

Marshall needed to know what was going on first. He had only been at work about 45 minutes.

"Hey. I think my water broke." I'm pretty sure that's what I said first. I may have added that I wasn't joking (because I had my one wolf-cry over the weekend.. for laughs.. but someone didn't think it was funny).

My plan (hah.. forget that) was to wait it out and see if I started having contractions. I was going to call the doctor's office, drive myself there, have them tell me I'm beginning labor and then I would go home and labor and wait a few hours before admitting myself into the hospital.

But then contractions came. Quite quickly, I might add. And extremely close together. There was back pain and abdominal cramping.. and more soiled underwear. I called the doctor's office.. was placed on hold for 6 minutes.. while having a few contractions.. and then they hung up on me. So I called them back and they just said to come in.

I got back in touch with Marshall telling him I was going to take myself to the hospital (what was I thinking, right?). He said he's already talked to his mother, Mrs. Jean, and she's going to go with me. I guess that's okay.. but it's Wednesday and she has church (those were my exact thoughts).

I took a quick shower, because for some reason I was drenched in sweat.. hmm? And Mrs. Jean arrived at the house. She was making my bed at one point and putting dishes in the dishwasher.. this was funny to me. And then she was asking about the "hospital bag."

Again- according to my plan we're going to go to the hospital to see how we're doing and go back home. I could finish packing later, I tried convincing the both of us. But just to be sure, we threw some extra things in the bag.



This picture was taken after delivery.. but I was feeling pretty good before we left the house. I was having contractions.. they were uncomfortable.. but I was managing (that I planned).

But on the way to the doctor.. contractions were getting closer. We were timing them, three minutes apart. They were consistent and pretty close together.

We arrive at the office.. not really in a hurry.. until we found out- 5 CENTIMETERS DILATED! And those contractions that I was managing? Hah! At this point I'm glad we brought the hospital bag. It was when we were getting registered at the Women's Pavilion that I realized how much we forgot (boppy, CARSEAT.. and then later the BASE!, blahblahblah). Marshall arrived on the scene and the contractions were getting worse. In between them I would jokingly say, "You did this to me!"

So, flash forward an hour or two of ridiculously painful contractions.. and I'm begging for that epidural! My plan was to attempt having Hartley without any medication. I wasn't trying to be a "hero" as all nurses and doctors (and Moms!) thought, I just wanted to see how I could do. And there was always the option if I wanted relief. And YES!! I wanted it. I assume it's because the contractions came so quickly and intense after my water broke. (we'll just keep telling myself that..)

The cute little Asian doctor did a fantastic job admitting the epidural. Ladies- it was the best decision I made. I advise it, now. I was also at the best time for it. Not too early, definitely not too late. It didn't slow down labor. I went from 6 centimeters to 9 in maybe 2 hours. And boy did it make the rest of the process enjoyable.

I'm wishing we would have video-taped delivery.. not for the head crowning, nasty stuff, but so I could replay all the funny things that were said and the looks of my mother and mother-in-law. I only pushed about 35 minutes. Didn't feel much, until Hartley's head was popping out and that was just pressure. It was definitely worth it to see how much of her head was emerging and how much my pushing was encouraging her delivery.

I remember a lot of counting, pushing so hard I thought I would pop a vessel in my neck, and the looks of confidence my OB would give me. I think he was proud of me! My doctor was so encouraging throughout the whole experience and I will definitely be using him again!



Marshall cut her cord and she was placed in my arms quickly after her delivery. Can I just say, she's perfect!

We were always worried we would have an ugly baby. But she is gorgeous! She weighed in at 6lbs and 10oz and 19.5 inches long. Born at 4:53pm. I made sure that the nurses and Doctor could make it out of the hospital before rush hour traffic.



Friends and family have mixed opinions with who she looks like. Only time will tell, but we can definitely say she looks like Hartley Caroline.

I've probably left a lot out, but please forgive me.. I just delivered the most beautiful baby. We've had little sleep. Hartley and I are still adjusting to breastfeeding. She's healthy, did I mention that?! She's perfect. And we're so blessed to finally meet and hold her.

I think I'm officially crying for the first time now. She's staying in the nursery tonight so Marshall and I can prepare for the.. umm.. rest of her life! We're going home tomorrow. Our little family of three. Hartley is going to meet her new furry sisters and I can't wait to see how Maddie and Sassy respond.

We've been looking forward to these moments for the past few months (and for me, years) and I'm so excited that our baby girl is here!

We need lots of rest and prayer and patience. Please understand that we get your calls, texts, etc. but give us time to respond.

where's the Pepcid?

Well, hello 4am!

Considering I will be getting up every 2-3 hours in the coming weeks, why not go ahead and prepare myself? This wasn't my decision, but God's lovely way of adjusting my internal clock. Yeah, thanks.

Marshall is on-call tonight. And because some lady (I'm assuming she was really old..) decided to call Dr. Moore and let him know her dog died at TWO IN THE MORNING.. I'm awake.

Of course, upon waking up at that time I had to use the bathroom. And then have a difficult time finding a position once back in bed. And obviously, heartburn had to kick in. Now I'm kinda hungry.

Back to what I originally wanted to blog about..

For some reason, when Marshall's phone went off (at 2am..) my half-awake mind thought "it's time to go the hospital." I don't know if it's because Marshall is on-call and he might have to go in, but I immediately think of my doctor.. and him being informed that Hartley is on the way. It doesn't make sense to me.. so it probably doesn't to you either.

Which leads me to another thing I wanted to discuss..

Now that we're so close, it seems that every morning I wonder if today will be the day. Is that something you will just know? For instance, for months now I've decided that her real due date is January 29th. A week early. But that just sounds like a good day.

At school Hartley would be asked, "When's your birthday?"

And she would politely respond in the cutest Southern accent, "One, twenty nine, twenty ten." (1-29-2010)

Momma decided that she would arrive this weekend, too.

I'm really tired of waiting. Heartburn sucks.

just keep swimming..

We're full-term now. Hartley is a small 5lbs 11oz. She's probably freakishly long like her Daddy. We've dilated ONE centimeter, but 75% effaced and she is -2 (meaning her head is getting lower.. a good sign!).


Hartley has apparently taken to Sassy Bean, too. She likes to groom herself.


Momma is getting uncomfortable, waking up at least 2 to 3 times during the night, having difficulty falling back asleep, constantly hungry.. ya know.. all the wonderful end-of-pregnancy joys.

For instance, the other morning. I woke up around 5am and stumbled to the bathroom. Got back in bed only to lie awake for over an hour. Just thinking about Miss Hartley and how wonderful it would be for her to arrive Friday, her MeMa's birthday. But how that would ruin Marshall's on-call schedule. But I like the idea of her having a joint birthday with her grandmother. So.. that's what I thought about until Marshall woke up. He got ready for work and then I sat with him on the couch while he watched some movie from 1982. [he's got the weirdest morning routine]

I tried to get on the internet and upload the newest belly picture to Facebook.. that took forever. I ate some toast and fruit salad and watched The Biggest Loser reruns and wrote Hartley a letter until about 8:30am. Then I fell asleep until 11am. And of course I was starving when I woke up (again) and ate more toast.

ps. Erika, we had waffles again the other night. They were muy delicioso.

I've been encouraged by multiple people to go to the movies. That's too expensive and we don't have a dollar theater. So I'll rent some from the local Red Box at Wal-mart. [contraction, breathe]

We had dinner guests over Friday for Marshall's mom's birthday. I'm not offering my house or cooking to that many people for a while. There were 4 kids, 7 adults.. and I'm nine months pregnant making pizza without Marshall. Never again!

___________________________________________________



This is what I'm looking forward to. Her cute pouty lips. My tiny bundle of poopie diaper.

My gift. The best little present.

Only thing is- she's going to be the biggest surprise. We know she's a girl (at least that's what the last ultrasound showed). She loves to suck on her hands. We think she looks like her Daddy.

But what's her personality like? Is she going to be mischievous like her Daddy? Or reserved like I "was"? Will she sleep through the night? Will she have a birthmark? Freckles? Curly hair? Birth defects?

We can only wait and find out. And this appears to be the most difficult part.

RE: going postal

Dear Mailperson,

I believe you have read the post dedicated to you! How funny of you to trick me.. by putting one item of our mail in my box and the rest (2 magazines and 4 envelopes) in our NEIGHBORS box. You sneaky thing, you!

I think it's funny how a few days ago you delivered some of my mail to my in-laws house.. that have a completely different address and live a few miles down the road. So glad you at least got it to the right family. I needed those diaper coupons!

No more tricks, you silly boy!


________________________________________________

So I'm officially done with work. I'm going to try and take some belly pictures tomorrow. Write some interesting posts in the next week or so. Clean like a madwoman. Hide the clothes I bought Hartley today.. whoops. And relax!!

going postal.

As I type, I'm watching the UPS guy walk through my neighbors front yard. There's a nice long drive way and a paved path to the front door.. but no. He has to walk through their yard. I don't get it.

I typically avoid walking on grass when there's a designated path. I wish others did, too.

So this post is for Mark Casem's blog stalker friends at UPS and USPS.



Dear Mailperson, (say that three times fast)

I appreciate it when you bring me gifts and cards from loved ones.. however, I do not appreciate it when you leave them at my front door unattended for who knows how long. We came home the other day to find our travel system. It was in a huge cardboard box that clearly stated what it was. We spent a good bit of money on it and anybody could have picked it up. Aren't you supposed to get my signature for that?

And all those Target boxes we've been getting.. shouldn't there be records indicating I received them. What if I didn't? What if I claimed I never got them (even though I did)? Would I get free stuff?

And the door to the mailbox isn't that hard to close. You just push it up. Really. And please don't drive on our grass. Or walk on it for that matter.

Sincerely,

The Current Resident


ps. why are some of my envelopes half opened?

2009: a year of growing-up.

Lame as it is, I love filling out surveys. I just love myself that much..

Here's my attempt at the 2009 survey. I hope it's entertaining, informative, and thought-provoking. Who am I kidding? It's about me.. it's going to provocative!

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
A lot. I bought a foreclosed home on the steps of the county courthouse.. in the freezing cold. I successfully and naturally had an egg implanted by my husband that eventually developed into the freakin' huge 5lb "fetus" she is now.

There were a lot of little things that happened. Random things actually. I bought a kitchen table with my father-in-law. That was the best bonding experience we've had. I had awkward breastfeeding conversations with my mother-in-law. That scarred me for life. I realized I can no longer laugh and control my bladder.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I want to say my resolution was to be a better wife. I didn't exactly fulfill that everyday. But I attempted. I think Marshall did a better job being a better husband. He's taken over so many household responsibilities (medical, car and home insurance, paying and setting up utilities, the entire yard, cooking and cleaning). I'm very blessed to have such a obedient, I mean well-rounded, husband.

If I were to make a resolution for 2010 (and I say twenty-ten), it would be to be less selfish. I am so selfish. I like to sleep in and do things my way, when I want.. and I won't be able to do whatever I want with a baby. She's going to come before me.. but I have to remember my husband comes before her. Growing up sucks.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
So many. And many adoptions, too! Brother-in-law adopted Isaiah. Sister-in-law delivered Caleb. Friends, Mollyanne and Laurie. Coworkers, Christa and Lacie. Church people.. so many I can't remember.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

2009 was hard. My Grandmommie and D-Dad both passed away, 6 weeks apart. Our family knew it was inevitable. They battled with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, respectively, for years. It was for the best. I only wish Marshall and Hartley could have seen them when they were well.

5. What countries did you visit?
The US of A. That's sad. I only traveled to one other state, South Carolina. Marshall and I have never had the time to travel.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
I was really blessed in 2009. I could be selfish (which I'm trying not to do..) and ask for a new car.. but I'm happy and content with my almost 11-year-old T-rex.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
February 3rd - bought our house.
May 20th (I think) - probably conception date, right before my mom remarried.
June 5th - we're pregnant.. and we didn't wait long to tell everybody!
September 8th - we felt baby kick
September 10th - baby is a Girl!
October 4th - Hudson was born.. and that was D-Dad's birthday. A very good day!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?


There were a lot. I helped Marshall graduate from vet school. :) And then he thanked me by knocking me up.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not fulfilling my resolution.. *snickers*. I didn't eat very healthy, follow through with my prenatal yoga (that Marshall even bought for me!), nor floss my teeth everyday or week...

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had some nasty stomach bugs early in the year. But that was about it. No morning sickness!

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Our house. I love my house. I love my nursery, too. And our flat screen tv. And all the maternity clothes I just had to get. If you can't tell, we had more money this year.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Marshall. He's such a good boy.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?


I shouldn't be depressed by somebody's behavior. But I got really ticked off with a coworkers lack of effort. I still am. Glad to have the day off of work! Four day weekend.. what what!

14. Where did most of your money go?
Lowe's. And McAlister's. But it's all Marshall's fault. He would go to Lowe's during lunch practically everyday. And when I would tell him I was leaving work, he would tell me to stop and get something to eat. I would then tell him I didn't know what I wanted to eat.. he would say McAlister's.. and the cravings began.

15. What did you get really excited about?
Hartley Caroline. Decorating her nursery and imagining how much she looks like her Daddy.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Taylor Swift songs. I know, lame. But I really started liking her music. Not her voice.. or her acting.. just her music.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

(a) happier or sadder? Happier. Definitely. 2009 was a year of uncertainty. Would we buy a house or rent a few more months/years? Would we get pregnant? Would Marshall actually graduate?!

(b) thinner or fatter? I was probably 108 when 2009 started. I am at least 136 now. Hmm..

(c) richer or poorer? Richer. But we still live modestly and think twice (or 5 times) about splurging.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?


Travel. I hate traveling though. But I think Marshall and I should have planned a trip for the two of us. We just didn't have the time. And when we had the time.. it's because we weren't working and didn't have the money. Life is funny. But at least we had each other. (lame)

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?


Attempting to connect to the internet. This has been our third year without paid internet. And it sucks when I have to walk around the house trying to find good reception. My current route starts in the freezing garage, when I get a good bar (just one) I hurry to the dining room and sit in front of the window. That works.. sometimes. I think we're going to breakdown this year.. even though we said that months ago. But I would really like reception in the comfortable chair in the nursery so I can blog while I breastfeed!

20. How did you spend Christmas?
With all the family! It was great! Christmas Eve was spent with Marshall's side and later my mom's side. Christmas day was spent with my mom and then my Dad's side. The next day was a nice break, full of cramping and contractions. And then we went to visit Marshall's grandmother. I was definitely glad to come home from all the traveling.

21. Did you fall in love in 2009?
Sassy and I bonded a lot since we moved. Sometimes I feel bad because I think Maddie knows that Sassy is my girl and she is Marshall's. It's a weird situation.. but I have really taken to Sassy Bean.

Oh.. and I'm head over heels in love with Hartley. It's strange how you get to that "point" in the relationship. I've never met her. Only seen her a few times. Feel her everyday. But I can't wait until she arrives. I'm just going to stare at her for hours. And play with her little hands and feet. And compare her looks to Marshall's. And giggle when she makes funny faces in her sleep. And I can't wait for her to meet the dogs. I look forward to watching her and her Daddy together. I'm gonna cry a lot probably.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
How I Met Your Mother. Hilarious.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

That's horrible.

24. What was the best book you read?


Lots of baby books. I should read more in 2010.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Taylor Swift!

26. What did you want and get?


I've wanted to get pregnant since I was in high school. That sounds really weird.. but it's true. I've always wanted to have babies.. but the desire to be pregnant and experience it had consumed my mind for years. That happened. And it was the best experience because I haven't had complications. I never had morning sickness. I didn't have to use the bathroom 2-3 times during the night (until this past week). I think my belly is really cute.. and I only got a few stretch marks that only Marshall can see (so those don't matter). I can only hope for a smooth labor and delivery.. and well-behaved child.

27. What did you want and not get?

I don't know.. internet access?

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I don't think Marshall and I went to the movies in 2009. If we did, I don't remember. We just saw "The Blind Side" and it technically came out in 2009, although we saw it New Year's Day.. it was good. Does that count?

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 24 and Marshall took me to Savannah! We ate at Bella's and had authentic Italian food. And Starbucks. He originally wanted to take me on a weekend-getaway/Babymoon.. but those were thousands of dollars! I exaggerate.. only one thousand.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Getting a Publix and Target in Statesboro. Seriously. I would have eaten healthier and dressed cuter. And spent a lot more money. Go economy!

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

Clearance Rack!! I bought so many $3 tops at K-mart! And I now know where all the good maternity sections are (Target, Belk, K-mart, Kohl's).

32. What kept you sane?


Only working part-time. Venting to Marshall.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Chuck Bartowski.. I don't even remember his real name. But apparently, he's my baby's daddy (such good dreams I've had).

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

The gossip that went on down at Snookie's. Them Sea Island bankers be talkin' bad 'bout my First Southern. Dey's my family! (really..)

35. Who did you miss?


Marshall and I really missed our church family in Athens.. until they betrayed us and never visited. So we don't miss them anymore! I've missed having my Momma close. We really bonded throughout the pregnancy. And she always bought me stuff when we were together.

36. Who was the best new person you met?


I haven't met her yet. But I'm sure Hartley is the coolest person ever.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.

Everything happens for a reason.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
That's a lot of work.. but I'll try. What song could possibly have the lyrics that include buying a house, graduating from vet school, moving away from friends and getting pregnant? I give up.

happy 2010!

from Marshall, Amanda and Hartley!

As we speak I'm having my.. hmm.. 4th or 5th contraction of the year. I found out Wednesday that I am indeed having contractions. What I thought was Hartley curling into a ball is SURPRISE! my uterus preparing for delivery.


I'm going to start keeping track of how often I have them and their duration.. because it's pretty often. Marshall says they are "regularly irregular." Nice.

We welcomed the new year by hanging out with Marshall's family. Eating spaghetti! Marshall wasn't feeling well yesterday so we came home at 8pm and by 8:30 he was out. He's feeling better today.. but still complaining and wanting a massage.

And we woke up this morning around 9:30.. had "brunch" around 11:30 and found out all FOUR of our smoke alarms work. We had some yummy bacon geese. Bacon.. in the shape of geese. I found this highly amusing because it sounds like bacon grease. Marshall was not amused.


For the remainder of the day, we will watch football with our new HD receiver (that was free with an extended 2-year contract with Dish). And possibly clean our disgusting bathroom. Hartley's clothes have been washed, folded and put away. Her travel system has been ordered. And her going home outfit has been chosen.. I think. She is welcome to come any day now.

And because of high demand, pictures of the new high chair. Beautiful!



In other news, one of the girls I work with who was expecting had her baby Wednesday. He is a whopping 9lbs.. that scares me. Our nephew Caleb was 9lbs also. We're hoping Hartley is a healthy 7-pounder.