Hannah Renee is Here!

Our sweet little Hannah Renee arrived early!  She was born on April 18, 2013 at 5:10 pm.  Hannah weighed in at 8 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 20.5 inches long.  Of course, it was love at first sight.

Let me back up a little bit and tell you about how Hannah decided to make her entrance into the world.  All week long at work, teachers had been telling me it would be any day now that I would go into labor.  I didn't quite believe them and kind of just brushed it off because I figured I would go all the way up to my due date and end up getting induced.  Although, I think Justin and I both wanted something more climatic to happen like for my water to break or to start having contractions.  On the night of April 17th, I woke up on the couch around 11 pm feeling a lot of pressure.  I tried to brush it off but an hour later ended up calling the doctor to see what was going on.  She said to wait until I was having steady contractions to go in to the hospital.  At 2 am I woke yet again, but this time I was having contractions about 5 minutes apart.  I woke Justin up and told him it was time to go.  We had to get poor little Emma up in the middle of the night and drop her off with our friends.  When we got to the hospital, they admitted us and started the Pitocin drip.  Once the contractions started getting more intense, I got my epidural and was able to get some rest before it was time to push.  Once I started pushing, it only took 4 minutes for Hannah to enter the world.

After two days in the hospital, we headed home on April 20th.  It was so nice to be home with Emma again and our new little family of four finally felt complete.  Emma has been an amazing big sister so far.  She says 'Hannah' and gives her kisses on the head, pats and hugs her.  So far she has not been jealous and has been very patient and loving.

We feel so blessed about our growing family and are enjoying every moment - even the chaotic ones!

Final Countdown - 38 Weeks

The past month has gone by so fast and all of a sudden the birth of our newest little angel is just around the corner!  We cannot wait to meet her.  Mommy is now going to the doctor weekly and at the most recent appointment discovered I am 1 centimeter dilated.  I've been having contractions here and there but nothing too painful. The doctor offered to induce me next week, but my reaction was, "Whoa, I don't know if I'm ready next week!!"  I think we'll wait until her due date. :) 

I have to say (and Justin can attest to this!) that this pregnancy has been a bit tougher than my first... bad swelling of the feet/ankles, pregnancy carpal tunnel (arms/hands fall asleep every night), sore back; just to name a few things that are going on!

We feel ready....baby's room is done, hospital registration is complete, double stroller is picked out... Now we just need to pack our bags for the hospital!  

      

33 Weeks

We are in the home stretch and so excited to meet baby girl #2 in 7 weeks!  We have not yet decided on a name, so we'll have to refer to her as that for now. :)

Our last ultrasound, taken at 32 weeks, showed the baby was an estimated 4.5 lbs (measuring a week ahead of schedule).  The doctor said everything is looking good and Mommy is feeling healthy... just dealing with the typical heartburn and swollen fingers/feet/ankles. Baby Girl is kicking around like crazy, especially in the evenings. Emma loves to give hugs and kisses to the baby in the belly.  She really seems to know there's a baby in there!

As far as pregnancy cravings go, well, let's just say that Justin has become a regular at Wendy's and stops there almost every night on his way home from work to bring Mommy a Frosty!

The nursery is now almost complete. Justin got the furniture all put together last week. We love it (Emma loves spending time in there as well and cries when we take her out of the baby's crib)! We went with an owl theme for this baby girl and Justin put up a really cute owl/tree decal last weekend.  Everything is coming together and we are ready.... bring on the baby!!!