4 Weeks old today!

Molly is 4 weeks old today! I can hardly believe it! Time is precious these days, so I will quickly post some things that Molly is doing now...

• Beginning to outgrow some of her newborn clothes in length. She is a skinny little one but long!!!
  
• Has a cute little belly button that is finally healed.
• Weighed 7 lb. 6 oz. at her two week appointment.
• Was 20 and 1/4 inches when we measured her this weekend.
• Is holding her head up for longer periods of time.
• Is pulling her entire upper body off of your chest when she is laying on her stomach.
• Tries to roll all the way over when laying on her back. She can already easily roll to her sides and has been for a few weeks.
• Had to move up to size 2 nipples yesterday. (We probably should have done this sooner but mom just figured it out...)
• Eats 3-4 ounces of formula regularly at about 3 hour intervals. Sometimes sooner if she is too lazy to wake fully at a feeding.
  
• Stays awake from one feeding to the next with just a cat nap at least twice a day.
• Tries to hold her own bottle.
• Has quite a grip!!!
  
• Makes eye contact regularly and focuses in on objects.
• Responds to voices, at least mom and dad's.

I am sure I am forgetting something, but that is all I can remember! I wish I could put sleeping more than 3 hours at night, but unfortunately, we are still working on that one!!! Molly is getting so big so fast and I am just trying to enjoy as much as possible!!!

Our first Mother's Day...

Tomorrow will be my first mother's day. If you would have told me last year that I would have had a little one this year, I would have told you that you were crazy. For years, I heard nothing but "you'll probably have trouble conceiving so know that it won't be easy." So, imagine our surprise when we found out I was pregnant! It was sooner than expected, but God knew what he was doing. As we approach this day to celebrate mothers and I sit watching my sleeping Molly, I have begun to reflect on parenthood.

Over the past few weeks, my emotions have been on a total rollercoaster. Just three weeks ago, I was struggling with early labor, making useless trips to labor and delivery, and anxiously awaiting of the arrival of our little girl. I wondered what she would look like, what she would be like, and what it would be like to finally hold her in my arms. Those thoughts have been replaced over the past few weeks with thoughts of when will Molly sleep, when will she eat, and how I am going to be able to do all this. I am overwhelmed with a new kind of love for not only Molly, but Tim as well. Seeing him as a father is amazing. I loved him before, but it is a totally different level of love now. I am also overwhelmed with all the responsibility for shaping this precious little one's life and view of the world. It is a responsibility not to be taken lightly and I am so blessed to have a husband who takes his role as father just as seriously as I take my role as mother. The past few days and nights have been difficult because Molly seems to think that day is for sleeping and night is for playing, but even though I am going on very little sleep, I wouldn't change it for anything in the world.

I don't know how I would have survived without my mom (and step-dad of course) through these past few weeks. Whether it was being there with me in labor and delivery, watching Molly when I just needed some time or sleep, bringing food, or just listening when I am emotional in the middle of the night, she has always been right there and willing to jump in wherever and whenever needed. she never complained about being woken up in the middle of the night when I had a question, never hesitated when I asked for help, and always offered her words of advice without being pushy or judgmental. I had always heard that you never understand and appreciate your mother fully until you have a child of your own and now I totally agree. I only hope that Molly and I can have the type of relationship mom and I have. I wouldn't want it any other way. Happy Mother's Day, Mom!!!

One week milestones...

So after I posted yesterday, Miss Molly decided she wanted to hold her head up and turn it to look at us while we were talking! I couldn't believe it! She had her eyes wide open and was just taking everything in. It was too funny! I was in the middle of trying to burp her when it happened. She is becoming so expressive and starting to have personality. I look forward to what she will be like in the future. Just wanted to get this recorded on here before I forgot or got too busy!!!

Happy One Week Birthday Molly!!!

Today Molly is one week old! It is so hard to believe that it has been a whole week since she entered our lives. I feel so blessed to have such a sweet, precious, beautiful little one. She is truly a joy- even through the sleepless night, dirty diapers, and fussy moments (which don't come very often). Molly is starting to become more expressive as time goes on and is generally a really good baby. She doesn't really cry unless she is hungry or dirty. Right now we are working on staying awake for feedings. Molly wants to fall asleep half way through her bottle and then wake up an hour or so later and want more. We are trying everything! Hopefully she will grow out of this stage... Anyway, I know I need to post her birth story and I will soon along with some photos!

Welcome!!!

Molly Claire Davis was born at 1:55pm on April 20th. She weighed 6lb. 15oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long. I will post more later with pics and the entire story. She is doing GREAT!

15 days to go... or not

Well, we have 15 days to go until the due date, but I am PRAYING it will not go much longer. As of Tuesday, I was 1.5 cm dilated and her head was so low the doctor could feel it. YAY!!! I know I could stay that way for a while, but hopefully not. I would love to have an Easter Baby, but at this point I would just settle for Spring Break. I know I should enjoy being pregnant and our last few days/weeks as a couple before baby, but I am just so anxious to meet our little girl. Don't get me wrong, I have totally enjoyed spending time with Tim during my time off work, but we are both so excited about meeting Molly. Daily I think about who she will look like, what color hair and eyes she will have, what her temperament will be like. I am not one who does well with suspense, so I am surprised I have held it together this long! I am starting to get very uncomfortable. My pants are cutting into my stomach (where the maternity panel and pants material meet) so I have resorted to sweatpants and gauchos whenever possible. My back hurts so bad at times I could cry, so I am wondering if that means I will have back labor. I have tried to prepare myself for all of this, but I don't think ANYTHING could ever prepare you for labor or motherhood. I know all this will be worth it when she gets here, so come on Molly! Momma and Daddy are ready to meet you!

Hopefully the next post will be a welcome one!

MIA.... I know it's been a while

Okay, so I see it I have been MIA and it has been a while since I updated. Here is the quick version of what is going on around here...

• I am on maternity leave as of yesterday. It was just getting to be entirely too much for me to work everyday. By the time I was leaving work, I could barely walk out of there. I am glad to have some time at home to get things ready before Molly makes her appearance.
  
• My shower with the Davis's went really well a few weeks ago. We got lots of stuff and even some of our bigger items.
  
• Molly's movements are getting much more subtle. Instead of swift kicks and punches, I feel squirms and rolls. She is definitely getting crowded in there.
  
• Our tour of the maternity ward two weeks ago went really well. It is really nice and I am glad to be delivering there.
  
• I have so much to do around here before Molly comes that I have NO CLUE how I will get it all done!!!
• The biggest news is.... Molly has turned!!! She is head down so I don't have to worry about that anymore! I was so relieved yesterday at my appointment when we found out! Everything else looks good, too.
  

This is the quick version of it all, when I have more time to post or have any news, I will try to get it up! Hopefully I can do better about updating now that work is a thing of the past!

Baby Shower and SNOW!!!

That's right Molly, it SNOWED in March the year you were born!!! In time, you will understand how STRANGE that is. We got about 6-7 inches, which is even more strange! On to other things...


My family baby shower was this Saturday. It was wonderful and we got so much stuff! I have no clue what I am going to do with it all- but I am sure it will be used. I went through things last night and started washing today, since it was a snow day. I will attempt to attach pictures of it all. For the entire group of pictures, check out this link... Baby Shower.

Doctor's Visit and Ultrasound...

This has been such a busy week that I am just getting to posting about my appointment on Tuesday. Well, Molly is gonna be a BIG baby- she is 4 lbs. 3 oz. right now. This means if I go to term, she could be 8-9 lbs. That second number scares me!!! The u/s tech also said she seemed to be long, but couldn't get a good measurement because of her position. She is still breech. If she hasn't turned within the next few weeks, she may not be able to because of her size. Then comes the conversation about having a version to try and turn her or having a c-section. At this point, I have no clue which would be best! Their are so many risks associated with a version and they are not always successful, but a c-section is considered major surgery and requires more recovery time. I am trying not to stress right now because she could turn, but I also want to make an informed decision. We'll see what happens between now and my next appointment. On the ultrasound, we got to see her feet again. They are sooooooo long and have a high arch- just like me! No Fred Flintstone feet like her daddy. She even has hair- we could see the wisps of it on the u/s! I am shocked because I was a bald baby. I don't think Tim was, so maybe she will look like him and just have my feet. We'll just have to wait 8 more weeks and see. Wow! 8 weeks---- now panic is beginning to set in! Anyway, the rest of my doctor visit went well. I have gained some weight, but am still about 10-12 lbs below where I started thanks to over 5 months of AWFUL morning sickness. My blood pressure was great and my glucose test results from the 3 hour test were "really good" in Dr. M's words. Yay!!! Now if my stubborn girl will just turn before she gets too big...


This Saturday is my big shower. I am so excited and can't wait to see everyone that is able to make it!!! Now it is bed time for me! Busy day tomorrow- work, hair appointment, Winterfest at work, and then to mom's to take care of a few things for the weekend!

Gigantic feet!!!

So, one of the things that they fail to tell you about pregnancy is that your feet grow. I expected them to swell, that I can deal with, but grow in length?!? Really, I wore a size 12 already! Is it really necessary for my already gigantic feet to grow so that I can deliver a child? What does that have to do with giving birth? Today, I am off to search or shoes that actually fit and are comfortable. We'll see if I am successful. I keep telling myself it is all worth it in the end!

This has been an uneventful week otherwise. Last weekend, I spent the weekend with Katie and Kialyn stayed one night. It was a lot of fun. Really made me realize what fun it will be when Molly is a little older and wants to do all the girly stuff- get her nails painted, hair done, etc. We found matching summer dresses for Molly and Kialyn- I can't wait to see them in them.

This coming week, I have another ultrasound and doctor's appointment. I am really curious to see how much Molly has grown since the last time. I can tell she has grown because her movements have gone from kicks and punches to more like rolls and squirms. I am also curious to see if she is still head up. I hope not, but if so, she still has time to turn.

A week from today I have another baby shower- with my side of our family and friends. I am so excited! Tomorrow my cousin has a shower for her little girl. We're due about 4 weeks apart. I hope that she has a great one and I look forward to getting to see family two weeks in a row!


Oh, I almost forgot!!! I do NOT have gestational diabetes!!! I am so thankful for that!

Baby Shower, Crib, and a New Car...

Monday was quite an eventful day for us. Molly's crib FINALLY came in and looks great in her nursery! I am so glad that is over and don't know what I would have done had Tim not handled it all. We also had our first baby shower at my school. We got some great gifts. I am so amazed at what wonderful people I work with. They really went above and beyond. I will post pictures as soon as I get a chance.

The shower was a bit of an eye opening experience for both of us, but especially for Tim. We have so much to do to get ready for Molly's arrival! Tim realized that his car really isn't practical for an infant, so we went Monday and looked at Honda Civics and Fits. Tuesday, he found a really good deal on a 2007 Honda Civic sedan. He is so proud of it and I am glad that he got something that will be a bit more car seat friendly. Besides, it was a deal we couldn't pass up. I will post pictures of it eventually, too.

On to the not so positive thing... I had a borderline result on my glucose test last week, so I am off to do the three hour test in the morning. I pray that it will come back okay, but if it doesn't I will do whatever I have to do to get Molly here safely. Whatever she needs I can handle for a few weeks.

Hopefully Molly will have a crib...

I am beginning to think that our child will have nowhere to sleep, except for her pack n' play that her wonderful daddy picked out. On to the crib saga...

In the last post, I explained what was going on with the crib. Well, let me start the latest installment of the crib fiasco earlier this week. Monday, I had to go to the funeral home for a colleague's mother. Tim rode with me and then we went a grabbed a bite to eat for dinner. When we got home about 6:45-7 Monday evening, we had a notice from UPS that they had attempted delivery of the package. It was marked that delivery would be attempted the next day, Tuesday. Well, Tim did what he had to do during the day and made sure he was home that afternoon to wait on the package (UPS usually comes after 5 at our house). We waited, and waited, and waited- no package. Did I mention that I had TONS of things to do that afternoon, but instead Tim and I were at home waiting on a package that never came? We also had no notice saying he had missed it earlier in the day. Well, about 8pm that night, we decided that we would just have them hold it at the UPS facility near our house and we would pick it up the next afternoon after I got off work. Wednesday afternoon we went to get it and the box was damaged beyond belief. Their were holes the size of my fist all over, the packing straps were cutting way into the box, and the only thing holding the seams and corners semi-together was some very dirty and worn packing tape. I could not trust a crib that had been treated like that during shipping, so we refused the package so we would not be responsible for shipping it back. Bummed and extremely annoyed at this point, we headed home and Tim called Babies R' Us. He explained to them the ENTIRE story and they are shipping us a new crib, free of charge, and giving us 20% off. If something happens this time, I am going to just give up! Once again, Tim took care of it all because I was just too mad. I don't know what I would do without him!

On to better things... I had a checkup Thursday with my ob/gyn. Everything was good with me and Molly. Her heart rate was in the 150's and we think she is laying sideways. This is new since at my u/s the other week she was breech. She is definitely headed in the right direction. I hope that by my u/s on the 24th she is completely turned because the bigger she gets, the harder it will be for her to turn. I also had my glucose test that morning. I should hear back from it Monday. Hopefully it will come back fine. I really don't want to do the 3 hour, much less have to deal with gestational diabetes. If I do, it won't be the end of the world, but it is just not ideal. Also, I have our first baby shower Monday at work! I am so excited about it! Tim, Mom, Kialyn, and Grandma Nancy are all coming- along with some former colleagues and my current ones. It should be so much fun!!!

Cribs, Kicks, and Hits

Molly, be very thankful to your wonderful daddy for your crib. Without him, who knows what you would be sleeping in because poor momma couldn't take the stress anymore!!!


On to the story and to explain the title of this post...

The weekend after Christmas, Tim and I went to Babies R' Us to buy the crib and changing table that we had FINALLY decided on after much deliberation. The BRU in Concord gave us the run around, said they couldn't get it, it was recalled, etc. and sent us on our merry way only after trying to push us into buying a more expensive set of furniture. I knew this couldn't be possible because I had JUST been in the Hickory store the week before and looked at the set again. I would think that I would have heard about a major recall, especially since I was all over the internet searching the crib and changing table for several weeks prior to wanting to buy it. We left the store, called the Hickory store to see if the Concord store was just lying (they were), and to see if they had what we wanted in stock. The people at the Hickory store were very helpful and said they had both pieces in stock. So, we planned on heading out to Hickory the next morning to pick up the furniture, all the while vowing to NEVER set foot in the BRU in Concord again! Fast forward to the Hickory store... They had the changing table when we got there, but could not find the crib in the back. They ordered it for us and gave us 10% off, so we were still okay. They said it should take about two weeks to get it in. We brought the changing table home and set it up. I was bummed about not getting the crib that day, but was okay with it because I was getting what I wanted, just not WHEN I wanted it. Well, time passed, and no crib. I called to check on it and found out the order was rejected at the distribution center, so they placed it again. A week later, inquired AGAIN, and was told it was rejected again so they did some digging to find out why. Turns out, the crib manufacturer is behind on this crib and keeps changing the shipment date. So, it is not BRU fault, but it is still beginning to get a little old. Throughout it all, the BRU in Hickory was very helpful and always willing to answer questions, so we couldn't get too mad at them when it is the manufacturer's fault. They told us that they expected shipments in starting on the 25th, so we were hoping to get it this week. We never heard anything, so I mentioned to Tim about calling today to see what the deal was. He called, and the shipment date was pushed back AGAIN!!! I don't know what happened on the phone or what Tim did, but all I know is I am getting the crib we wanted, they are shipping it to the house from the online distirbution center (because they had it in stock), and we do not have to pay shipping! It should ship within the next two days. I am glad I was at work during all this, because after the week I have had- pregnancy emotions and all- I really don't think I could have handled this. I am so thankful for Tim! He really has been a HUGE help with so much!

On to the other part of the title- kicks and hits. Monday night, Molly was pretty quiet when we went to bed and didn't want to cooperate when Tim wanted to feel her move. She usually wakes up when we lay down and that is the best time for him to feel her hits and kicks. Well, Tuesday night she was pretty quiet, too. Tim had his hand on my stomach, trying to feel her when we went to bed. About the time we were going to give up- WHAM!!! She hit my stomach HARD right where Tim's hand was. I couldn't believe how strong her hit was. It shocked me, and I don't think Tim knew what to make of it! The rest of the night, everytime I got up to go to the bathroom, she was all over the place. She was still moving when I woke up this morning. She calmed down during the day, but I think she is back up to her nightly acrobatics again as I type. Oh the joys!!!

Holy Cow... Less than 90 days!!!

So tonight, among my daily internet routine, I check out this website that marks off the days left until Molly gets here. 89 days! It is so hard to believe! I had a bit of a meltdown this morning, don't know if it was hormones or what and I really don't think that this realization is helping things AT ALL. I have so much to do to prepare at work, home, and am just so tired all the time! I am not sleeping well and I miss Tim terribly on the weekends lately because I feel like I am always so tired when he is off during the week. I know that it is probably just the pregnancy making me so tired and hormonal, but it still isn't any fun! Don't get me wrong, I am so thankful and happy about this pregnancy, I just had no idea I would be so tired!

On to positive things--- since I got home from work, I have been feeling Molly all over the place. I told Tim earlier that I thought I was going to give birth to the longest baby known to man or an octopus- one or the other. She kinda had me worried all weekend because she was so quiet, but all worry is gone now. I guess she was just sleeping and growing. I keep trying not to worry so much, but I just can't help it sometimes. Not much longer though... AND SO MUCH TO DO!!!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot---Molly got a present today! A girl I went to school with brought her a cute little outfit, booties, hairbows, and rattle. She has a son in kindergarten and we have got to see each other this year after losing touch for a while. It was the cutest gift!

Daddy to the Rescue!!!

So, when I posted Tuesday I mentioned that I was trying to finalize our registry at Babies R' Us. Well, the one item causing me much undue stress was a pack n' play. I spent the majority of the day trying to decide which one would be best, what all stuff we needed it to have, etc. I pretty much became neurotic over the pack n' play! Can you tell that the Direct TV guy was here ALL day Tuesday so I had no tv and was pretty much stuck to the computer for entertainment? I had entirely too much computer time on my hands! Anyway, after stressing all day, I finally just told Tim I couldn't look at them anymore. At this point, we had decided we would go ahead and buy the pack n' play because a lot of them are on clearance right now AND I had a coupon for 15% off. We had also narrowed down a list of things we wanted. Tim went to BRU Wednesday while I was at work and got a GREAT deal on a pack n' play that matches our house perfectly and has the things we wanted. It is the Graco Silhoutte in the Catalina pattern. It was on clearance and he got to use the coupon! Gotta love that! It has the bassinet feature, a changing table, organizer shelf, and a canopy over the bassinet. I would post pics, but I don't have any of it yet. I am so thankful that Tim rescued me from my own neurotic behavior and got a great deal on the perfect pack n' play! Daddy to the rescue- Molly should be pleased!

Snow Day and Baby Registry!

Today was a snow day so that meant no work for me (and the final day of a FOUR day weekend)! Now, I have to make it up Thursday, which isn't really a big deal. At least I got to spend the day home with Tim (and the Direct TV installer and furniture delivery guys). The little bit of snow we had was gone by early afternoon, so we headed out for a late lunch and to do some errands. It was good to spend some time with Tim today, that doesn't happen very often during the week anymore.

Anyway, on to the real point of this blog- our little one!

Now that I have final dates for two of my three showers (Feb. 9th at work and Feb. 28th with my friends and family), I thought it would be a good idea to finalize everything on our gift registry at Babies R' Us. Please someone explain to me why I have analyzed this registry over and over again for weeks?!? We started on it in NOVEMBER and it is still a work in progress. Not even because I add tons of stuff to it, but because I keep researching and changing my mind on things. Also, it seems that at the beginning of the year things get discontinued. So, that means changes and MORE research. Hopefully, by later tonight, things will be finalized. We are trying to make a final decision on our Pack n' Play because guess what, Graco has come out with a new one that I think I like better than the one I originally registered for!!! Decisions, decisions!

On to recent developments with Molly... I don't know if my fall last week shook her up or she is just growing that much, but sometimes I feel like she is going to jump right out of my stomach. For the past few days, I can honestly say I have felt hard movements off and on all day. Monday, I saw my stomach move for the first time. Sunday, Kialyn felt her move for the first time. Tim has been feeling her for a few weeks, the first time was Dec. 23rd, but no one else had been so lucky until Sunday. It is amazing how much they grow in just a few short days. April will be here before we know it! Sorry for such a random post, but that seems to be how my brain works these days.

100 Days to go...

As of today, I have 100 days to go until Molly's due date. I can hardly believe it! I picked an odd way to celebrate this though...

Today in the cafeteria at work, I took a graceful fall. One of the hazards of working in an elementary school is the cafeteria and the numerous liquids, food, and trash that can make it on to the cafeteria floor. I hit my knee pretty hard, but did not hit my belly (Thank God!!!). Molly and I are fine, but my knee and shoulder aren't in such good shape. I am sure I will be sore tomorrow! On the positive side, I got to see Molly again today. After my fall, my doctor wanted me to come in for an ultrasound to check things out. So, I drove to Charlotte and Tim met me at the doctor's office. She was ALL over the place on the ultrasound, as usual, and was just fine. Her heartrate was 153. We made another discovery on this ultrasound though, she has my long fingers! She decided to wave and smile at us while we were looking. It was the most amazing thing! We found out last time that it seems the poor child has my feet, so I wonder what she is going to get from her daddy?

Welcome!

We decided to start this blog to keep everyone up to date on our family and our baby girl, Molly Claire, who is on the way. Officially, she is due April 25th, but we'll just have to see when she decides to grace us with her presence. So, check back often for updates on our family!