First Week Home

We are settling in at home and loving every minute with our little one. We are so in love with Anna, I've never experienced a feeling like this. We are learning to get to know one another and she truly changes every day. Thus far, Anna has been a very happy baby - she nurses like a champ and has been sleeping fairly well throughout the night. I am feeling better with each day - a HUGE thank you to my Mom who has been a great help. Greg ended up going back to work Wednesday so my Mom has been coming over early in the morning hours and helping throughout the day. It has allowed me to get my rest and build my energy back up. Yesterday, Anna had her first week appt with Dr. Bergstein. Everything looks great and she was a healthy 8lbs (hopefully by Sunday she will be back to her birth weight). Today, we had our first outing - walking and having lunch at Oh Yumm, followed by stopping at the Flying Cupcake and Kids Ink shopping for books for Anna. We've been very spoiled this week by family and friends who have been bringing us delicous dinners and wonderful visits. We're looking forward to introducing Anna to all our family and friends! Here are some pictures from the past week.


Newborn Picture by Morgan Matters - We can't wait to see the rest:)


Meeting her Daddy for the first time

Grandma and Anna (5 minutes after being born)

First day at the hospital - great family pic!

Nana, Papa and Anna

Grandma & Grandpa

Nana and Anna

Papa and Anna

Grace and Aunt Elizabeth meeting Anna

Uncle Mark and Anna

The Barrett's came to visit

Jackie & I - introducing Will to his future GF:)

Cassandra and I

Heading home from the hospital - Thank you for all the gorgeous flowers

'Aunt' Darby came to visit and brought us a yummy meal

Swing time

Goal post arms in the bouncer

Sponge Bath

"Not loving it Nana"

Activity mat time - hard to keep her alert!

'Aunt' Meghan having snuggle time with Anna

Snuggle time with Daddy - it has been so fun to watch Greg as a Dad (he is wonderful)

Snug as a bug in my crib

Nana playing 'dress up' photo shoot with Anna

Anna's Arrival

Anna arrived at 12:01 on September 18th weighing 8 lbs 4 oz, 21 inches long. We feel extremely blessed and are so in love with our little girl.





I thought I would catch everyone up on Anna's arrival. Yesterday, as posted below, the MD decided to admit me since I was showing signs of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressures, headache, low platelets and swelling). Dr. Pease induced me by breaking my water at 5:30. I immediately started to have contractions. By 7:00 I was already asking for the epidural since the contractions were strong, coming every 2-3 minutes, 4 cm dilated. And let me tell you, the epidural is WONDERFUL! I was rechecked around 9:30 and I was dilated at 6-7. An hour later I notified the nurse because I was feeling quite a bit pressure. I was dilated 9-10, fully effaced - just needed to wait for the MD to start the pushing phase. I started pushing at 11:30 and by 12:01 Anna was here! I can't believe I only labored 6 1/2 hours and pushed 30 minutes - Anna made delivery a breeze, thank goodness!

As for me, my pressures have still been high and platelets are still low today - it will just take time for my hormones to work everything out. They have continued to monitor me but luckily I've had no headache today. I think they are planning to discharge us Sunday night or Monday morning.

Greg & I are absolutely loving parenthood, though it still seems surreal that we're parents now. Anna has been happy and nursing well (almost too well though OUCH! - I'm still trying to get used to it:).

Here are pics below of the past 24hours. We've had lots of family visitors today - Anna you are so loved!!!


Waiting in triage, last baby bump pic

Meeting Anna for the first time

"Okay Mom, I'm ready to eat"

First Family Picture


A little bruised


Anna loves to cuddle with her cousin Elizabeth

Aunt Stephanie and cousin Brent

Baby coming soon!!!

Well, I've had a persistent headache the past 24 hours so after walking with my Mom today she insisted I call the MD. I guess a mother's intuition is always right because Dr. Pease wanted to check me out. My blood pressure was elevated at the Dr.'s so they sent me to Triage to monitor my pressures and get my blood work. My blood work is okay though my platelets are low and my BP's are still high. I think with my swelling and headache they're worried about preeclampsia. SO I am now admitted until I gave this baby:). I have been having contractions though they're not painful, they are planning to induce me:). So excited to meet this baby girl!!! Of course I am totally unprepared since my Mom and I came here right after walking- no shower or bag packed. Luckily Greg is on his way. Will keep you updated:)

39 Week Update

Today I had my 39 week check-up with Dr. Pease. Luckily, I am progressing - my cervix is currently 2 cm dilated and still thinned:) Experiencing quite a few Braxton Hicks ('practice contractions') though no other signs that I will be going into labor anytime soon. I will follow up with Dr. Pease next Wednesday for a non-stress test to make sure the baby is okay. It is then we will discuss options to induce with the latest date being September 27th. I am hoping to go into labor on my own because I am afraid inducing will lead to a higher risk of having a C-section. I am actually fairly comfortable other than swelling in my face, hands and feet (very achy joints!) so I am okay with waiting it out. Bottom line- we want to do what is best for baby Anna.

Included a 39 week BARE belly bump shot:



Greg & I have still been keeping an active social calendar- helps to take my mind off my anxiety of wondering when labor is going to happen.

Last Thursday night, we celebrated Alina, who will be getting married this October, with girls dinner at Naked Chopstix.

Jackie, Alina, Me, Molly and Cassandra



We've also been lucky to have lots of family time:

Mom & Dad joined us for a fun dinner last night

Dad, Mom & Ali

Beautiful Grace

Greg teaching Grace the piano:)

Maternity Pictures

A few months ago Greg surprised me by contacting photographer Morgan Matters to set up a maternity photo shoot. I was so excited because I absolutely love her work. Greg & I both enjoyed working with her and can't wait till we can have her shoot Anna's newborn pictures. Here are a few snapshots from our session:










(36 week belly bump)