Merry Christmas!

This Christmas season has brought on a lot of mixed emotions for not only us, but our entire family. We celebrate the life of a Savior who came and both lived and died for us. We celebrate family. Friends. Blessings. The list goes on.

For us, we also celebrate the ability to be together for Christmas. One year ago, we never knew what was in store for us for the next 365 days. We didn't know we would be welcoming a chubby, bubbly, brunette haired baby girl into our lives. We had NO intentions of having the medical journey that God had laid out for us with Brad. Christmas comes with a bitter sweet taste this year. Aubrie has added so much more joy and happiness to our lives while Brads handicap has added a lot of stress, emotions, and hardship.

This year was full of wonderful times with friends and family but a lot of struggle and pain has been mixed into the batter as well. A lot of people have commended me for how amazing I've done this year, holding down the fort. I can't believe how many people have made comments about my strength and capabilities of keeping our lives on track.... yet I don't feel that accomplishment. Our lives have been hectic. They've been a mess. It's been stressful, emotional, tiring, and had just down right sucked. The last few months have been pure struggle. Every day. Between work, kids, everyday duties, and life in general, I'm just drained. I'm ready for a new year and some new beginnings.

So with that. I want to wish everyone a Meery Christmas! I hope everyone stayed safe today in the height winds and THUNDERSTORM we experienced today!

Graduation!

For the past 9 weeks I have been attending puppy training classes with Bre, our one year old blue healer puppy. I decided that it was time we did something with her training wise, so I decided to start with the basics.

In September I had heard about a puppy training course put on by an employee at the local vet office in Le Mars. I contacted them and signed Bre up for the class. We attended 8 classes, every Tuesday and Thursday for 4 weeks. Bre did great! She was the oldest in her class, she out performed basically everyone in her class, and she did great from start to finish.

We learned everything from sit, down, sit-stay, down-stay, wait, heal, come, leave it, etc. It was all basic commands but it was good for Bre for beginning commands. Our next adventure is getting her un-scared of cattle. Then onto the basics with training her to run cattle. We will see how far we get. I know that as time goes on, she will mature and a lot of the time they just naturally pick up on a lot of stuff, but we just have to wait and see on that part. If anyone knows anybody in the NW Iowa area that trains cattle dogs, let me know!!

Bre finally graduated with flying colors and we are onto bigger and better things!

Catch Up

I cannot believe that it has been nearly a year and a half since I was last on here! My life has been a hectic roller coaster for the past 17 months. So many things have happened I don't even know where to start. Our family has changed DRASTICALLY.


In September 2015 we welcomed Sampson into our lives. He's a black and white long haired cat. He is claimed as "Melanie's Cat" even though he has an obsession with Brad.
Shepp died October of 2015. We welcomed Bre, another blue heeler into the family in November.
In January 2016 we found out that we were pregnant with Baby #3. We found out it was a girl in April.
At the end of April we also found out that Brad had a rare type of cancer in the form of a tumor in his hip. He went through chemo and radiation over the course of the summer and in August underwent an 8 hour surgery to remove the tumor. Brad had a rough recovery after the surgery, but he's managing to recover slowly.
In September, only 3 weeks after Brads surgery, Aubrie Jo was born into our family. She arrived via c section at 8:10 am on September 9, 2016. She weighed 7 lbs 13 oz and was 20" long. She's proven to be the total opposite of her big sister so far. So we are in for a joy ride with her!!
I've returned back to work now, and Brad is be-bopping around until he can return to his job.

In short, that's our lives for the past 1.5 years! Lots has been going on, hence the fact that I haven't been updating much! I'm hoping to get back into the groove of things because I'm in need of a place to vent my frustrations like I used to!  😊

Pure Joy

Today I had the privilege to watch my 18 month old toddler run around the streets of town, picking up candy, watching decorated floats and cars drive by, and celebrate Ice Cream Days. I've experienced parades before, plenty of them at the Tulip Festival, but the parade today was so welcoming and friendly. 

I was pleased with how well people in the parade hand out stuff. Equally. Few candy here, few stickers here, etc. Mel had a blast, and we learned that she loves tootsie rolls! I was sceptic about moving 45 minutes from home last fall, and I wouldn't change it for the world now. Today I got to see the true community. Thousands of people came to support the local businesses that were represented in the parade. They came to shop the stores down town, eat food at the family owned restaurants along Main Street. The local businesses participated in the parade to thank their customers and to advertise their community based business. It was awesome seeing this "new community" of ours today. 

I'm so excited to see what's in our future. Brad and I both have jobs we love, we live in a great community, and we have a gorgeous daughter to raise! Melanie is our reason for being here. We do everything FOR Melanie. We don't do it for us, we do it for her, but we love it now that we are where we want to be for the time being. I have a great partner by my side, and I'm excited to experience the future. 

Mothers Day

It's really crazy for me to think that today is my 3rd Mother's Day. 3 years of being a mother. My heart is so happy, and sad today, as I remember my first Mother's Day, childless. 

My heart goes out to all those mamas out there today who know the pain of celebrating a day that celebrates you, but feeling as if you don't deserve it. So many mamas out there are being celebrated for the children they have given birth to. Many of those mamas though, don't have any "little" bodies to hug today. 

I just want all those mamas to know, you aren't alone. Happy Mothers Day. You deserve this day. Reminisce on your little one(s) who aren't here to celebrate you, remember your journey you had with them while they were here. Today is special, and take pride in what you did for them. 

Much love, 

One Angel Baby mama to all those other mamas out there. 

Butterflies...

It's been 15 months since Mel was born. My heart has burst with love and joy and has floated away from butterflies countless times since she entered this world. My 7 lb baby is now a toddler. The other day we went for supper at Subway. Brad, Mel, and myself. I forgot a sippy and all they had were cups with lids and a straw.... We taught Mel how to drink from a straw. It was... A moment for me. I almost cried. She drank half the cup of water!! From a straw!! Where did my baby go?? 

Another thing that has been giving me complete butterflies and the jitters, is every single kiss and hug she gives me. I love them. She loves them too, and it melts my heart. 

Mommy hood is so much different than I ever imagined. I never thought that Mel would grow up in the blink of an eye. I never thought she would be the other part of my heart that I never knew I missed before she was here. I never knew this type of love existed. I also never knew that someone could pull my hair, push my buttons, make such a MESS, scream at me, hit me, throw tantrums, and annoy me so much, but yet I still lover her to the end of the earth. 

Melanie Rose. You can give me a million 

kisses and I would never tire of them.  It's been a total pleasure to watch you grow these past 15 months, and I look forward to watching your grow to be a fine young lady! 

Dads first time being Solo

Although Mel is over 14 months old now, she's never been left home alone, with dad, for more than a few hours. This week is my first time being away from mel for more than over night... My first business trip out of state.... Where my baby girl isn't just up the road 25-30 miles at grandparents houses. Brad was left to fend for himself yesterday afternoon until I return tomorrow night, late. 

It just so happens, since mom is 7 hours away, Mel ended up in urgent care from not being able to keep food down, puking, running a fever, stuffy nose... She screamed most of the afternoon apparently.... And mama feels helpess. I'm stuck here in Madison, WI.... 7 hours from home. There's nothing I can do. 

Mel tested negative for RSV, but she does have a viral infection. The doctor sent her home with no meds, accept Tylenol and Motrin for children. 

Being mamas baby girl, I'm sure she just wants mama. I miss her even more knowing she is home sick. I wish with all my heart to be there to comfort her, but I know she is in good hands with daddy too! 

In the mean time, I'm going to get through my meetings and tours tomorrow and buzz home as fast as I can get there so I can snuggle my baby girl. It's been stressful this afternoon/ evening not knowing what was happening with her while I was in meetings. I was quite side tracked I didn't get much out of the speakers presentations. 

24-7 on call

Sometimes I just need a mommy day. A day to stay in bed, watching Netflix, and not moving. All. Day. Long. Not making any meals. Not giving a bath or cleaning up food messes.... Nothing. 

Sometimes I just need "mommy" time... Time for me to be me without the 20lb attachment that usually sits on my hip. 

Tonight is one of those nights. Mel got shipped off to Brads mom and dads house for the night. After multiple nights of a lack of sleep thanks to the stubborn 1 year old that refuses to sleep in her own bed, I just need a night to myself. 

I know I'm not the only mom that needs "me" time. I know there are others out there that feel this way too, but sometimes I just wish that other people understood that. I know that parenthood is a 24-7 job, but I also feel like many marriages, including my own, are strained because the parents focus so much on the child that they lose sight of who they were before the child. I feel like I've lost myself to my "mommy self" and have completely sluffed off my old self. I know, parenthood changes you, but I also feel like you shouldn't lose yourself over it. 

I've been in such a droopy mood lately. I'm beyond happy with my life, don't get me wrong, but something is off. I'm delighted my daughter is growing so quickly, but I'm dreading it at the same time. I think I'm to a stage of parenthood where everything is new again. I'm not a person who likes new. Mel is walking, close to talking, and she's learning about her anger.... She's starting to hit and she even tried to BITE my sister today!!! She's ONE!! I'm not sure how to handle it. And this along with stress from work, stress from life, everything is piling up.... 

So tonight is my night to have me time for the week. I'm going to lay in bed, watch Netflix, and sleep in in the morning. Then I'm going to happily go to work, and come home and do it all over again tomorrow night. Why? Because I can. Because I'm just a 20 something mother who needs a break from her beloved child. No parent is perfect, and I'm far from, but there's no reason I can't take a night to relax for once! 

Melanie's First Birthday

January 23, 2015 

Mel's first birthday. 

I cannot believe a whole year has come and gone since she was born. It has been a year of joys and fears. Happiness and laughter along with tears and frustrations. 

The journey of parenthood has been exactly that, a journey. There's no road map. No compass. No gps. It's a blind adventure. Before Mel, and even Paige, I read a fair number of books trying to prepare myself for motherhood, parenting, having a baby girl, having a child after the loss of a child, breastfeeding, childbirth, and marriage after kids. None of those books could prepare me for the roller coaster adventure I was about to embark on.

The day of Mels first birthday, she learned to walk. Not only did my little 7 lb baby grow into an adorable blonde blue eyed toddler, but she also grew into a walker. A baby gibberish talking, walking, solid food eating, toddler. All in a years time. I felt like I got hit by two busses from different directions. Double whammy. My baby girl is one.... And she started walking on her first birthday.   

How does a full year with an infant go by so fast? In my 25 years of life, this past year has been the fastest paced one yet. I knew children grow up fast, I was told by multiple people that they grow faster than you wish.  I never knew it would be this quick. From 7lbs to 19lbs. From fragile to bouncing off the walls and floors.... She has grown up into a toddler in the blink of an eye. One day she was crawling, the next she was walking all over the place. One day she's crying   because she's hungry, the next she's throwing a fit because a toy is in her way and she's blocked from where she wants to go. She has matured from a simple baby to a complex toddler. Her personality is exquisite. She truly is her fathers daughter, but she gets her looks from her mama. 

1 Whole Year... In multiple ways...

I've been telling myself for months that I really needed to get on this blog and update a lot of information. It has been nearly an entire year since I last posted here. I can't believe how fast life has been flying by, even though there are days where I feel like life is inching past.... It's been a year of firsts.... a year with Melanie... a year without a blog post....

Throughout the past year we have had many ups and downs.

In April; Mel and I attended multiple soccer games for Mel's first time to watch Aunt Cassie and Sara play soccer. This was Cassie's last year, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the games... Mel liked her nap time...

In May; Brad, Mel and I all attended the Tulip Festival for the first time as a family. Mel got to "drive" Great Grandpa De Jong's tractor, and she actually liked it! We also attended Cassie's graduation from High School. 

In June; Brad, Mel, and I went to the Zoo for the first time. We took a 'staycation' to Sioux Falls where we went shopping, went to the zoo, and visited some family.

In July; We all went to Aunt Cheri's wedding where Mel was a flowergirl for the first time in her life! She actually ended up sleeping in Grandmas arms down the aisle... Mel also attended her first County Fair where she learned how to make goat/sheep noises.... We won't ever forget that!

In August; The Ackerman side of our family went on vacation together. We were gone for 5 days. This was Mel's first real family vacation. She also caught her first fish off the dock near our cabin. We had a lot of fun during this week, and we were blessed with many amazing memories...

September.... Where do I even begin. We moved to Merrill, IA where Brad and I both accepted new jobs. This was Mel's first move to a new house. Mel also started attending daycare for the first time in her life.... and she loved it. Mel also went in to the Dr. at the Castle in Sioux Falls for the first time to evaluate her hips, which were cleared of hip displaysia. Mel also started crawling at the end of this month too.

October; We painted pumpkins for the first time as a family. We also went to the Pumpkinland and did the Corn Maze with some of our family friends. Mel got to dress up as Tigger for Halloween, and we visited all of her Grandmas and Grandpas (and great/ great great grandparents).

November; We said good bye to my grandma Gloria. We spend hours with my family reminiscing over the past, feeling blessed with the memories we had with her. This was also Mel's first Thanksgiving! She stuffed her face with tons and tons of food, just like the rest of us!

December; This was quite and emotional month. On the 19th we had a chimney fire which started the attic of our rental house on fire. We were saved by a smoke detector. Praise the Lord. We moved out of the house into a temporary parsonage 15 miles from Le Mars. It changed our lives drastically, doubling our commute every day, moving us farther from work and town, and living in a house that wasn't home... Then there is Christmas. Our spoiled rotten 11 month old received tons and tons of clothes, toys, and money for gifts. She loved the attention she got from everyone and she stole the show. She learned that gifts were meant to be opened and she really enjoyed ripping the paper off of gifts, whether they were hers or not.

January; Mel turns one. ONE... and on the day she turned one she learned to WALK.... What a double whammy on this mama who was in denial. My baby turned one and learned to walk all on the same day. We threw a pretty fun birthday party for her, that she will never remember, but that's what pictures are for right?? :)

February; This past weekend we got to return back to our rental house. We are back HOME. Mel knew exactly which room was hers, and she definitely missed her crib. She walked right up to it and gave the mattress a huge hug. It was ADORABLE. We are adjusting to our new life here, in a newly remodeled house. We're working on decorating, furnishing, and unpacking the boxes that have been packed and un packed too many times this past year....

So there is the catch up from this past year.... I PROMISE to start keeping you all updated more often now. We have lots of fun adventures to come this next year.... and I can't wait to keep watching my little peanut grow and becoming a little lady...

Hips, Baptism, Work, and 7 Weeks...

We talked with a specialist about her hip displasia in the Right leg.. he was not concerned about it just yet. We are set to go back to the Castle for another round of ultrasounds/x-rays in August, and from there they will determine what our course of action will be.

This past Sunday, March 9, Melanie was baptised at the Archer Reformed Church. She was SO pretty! When Paige was buried, we had her dress made from my wedding dress. We also had a memorial bear made out of the material from my dress. We decided to do this again for Melanies baptism gown... and it was PERFECT (although my wedding dress is now a pile of scrap pieces ;-). The dress fit her perfectly, and she looked like an angel in it! I loved it! Her baptsim went really well. We had so many friends and family show up to support us and to celebrate with us. She didn't make a PEEP through the entire service either... she didn't even wiggle when Pastor Jeremy put the water on her head! We had a luncheon following the service and Mel was passed around like a bag of potatoes... but she behaved so well!

Monday, March 10, I returned back to work full time. Today... I am exhausted. I am working 8-5 during the week days, and I go in for just the calf feedings (5 am and 3 pm) on the weekends. I get a break every 3-4 hours so that I can run to the house and pump because I'm breast feeding. My mom, mother in law, sisters, and sister in law are taking rotations on watching Mel for me, so I don't have a paid babysitter for the time being. I am perfectly ok with this though because I know she is in good hands with family!! It's nice to have her around too, sometimes they watch her at the house, because then I can run to the house when she is hungry and nurse her while I take my break. I've noticed a large change in her personality this past week-- she is definately becoming a mama's girl! When I get home from work we just like to hit the bed and cuddle. We both miss the days where we just laid around and did NOTHING but watched movies together. I still get every 4 days off (3 days work, 1 day off) so that is nice to have that one day a week where I can just catch up on mommy/Mel cuddles. Sometimes Brad joins us for some cuddles, but he usually heads downstairs to the 'man cave' and watches his 'stupid' shows ;-). Brad has been watching her this weekend while I have been at work... he's starting to get a hold of the 'mr mom' thing.

This past Thursday, March 13, Mel turned 7 weeks old.... 7 weeks! Where has time gone!?!? My little 7 lb baby is no longer little! She is growing like a weed! She is officially too big for her newborn sleepers, so we graduated her to the 0-3 month size... :-( When people told me babies didn't stay little for forever, I knew that was true, but I didn't know that she would grow up so fast!! :-( She now can hold her head up all by herself for extended periods of time, and she can hold herself up on her feet too! You have to balance her of course... but she is SO strong and smart for being such a little bundle! She also LOVES to smile at things! I love her smiles! They are adorable!

I hope to keep everyone updated on some of our current events more often. I know I have really failed at keeping the blog updated for the last few months. I have a feeling that motherhood and a full time job will keep me pretty busy now too though. Bare with me! I'm trying!

5 Weeks and ultrasounds...

This past week we hit the 5 week mark. Where the heck is time going?!?! This little 7 pound munchkin is getting soooo big and so strong! 

It's so crazy to think about how tiny and dependent this little being was just a few weeks ago, now she's holding her head up on her own, and she even stands her self up on your lap (you have to balance her of course). She's such a little munchkin. She has been starting to smile more and more, which is always a good thing! I like my happy baby! She's just too adorable when she's smiling and cooing away and kicking those legs! 

Last Sunday was her 1 month birthday! We celebrated by taking Sunday naps together :) we love naps. She is still up 2-3 times a night to eat, but has been figuring out days and nights pretty well. She stays awake a lot more during the days now. She eats like a pig during the day too. She is growing,

 that is for sure! She is almost too big for her newborn clothes. She is getting too long for them! When she stretches out they get pulled tight! 

This past week we graduated from the tiny little "bucket bath" in the kitchen to the big kid tub. We are using a friends little "whale tub" that you put inside a regular tub and fill it with warm water like normal. Melanie, to my suprise, LOVES bath time. I can't believe how good she does in the tub! The only problem.... Is that when you pull her out of the tub and start drying her off.... She SCREAMS!!! Once you get her dressed again, she is fine. Haha. 

This past Wednesday we had to make a trip up to the Sanford Castle (children's hospital) for her 1 month hip ultrasound. They ordered this the day she was born because of how she was positioned inside of me and because of my history with hip dysplasia. They did an ultrasound on both of her hips, which took a matter of 10 minutes (total wasted trip to Sioux Falls). Yesterday the doctor called me with the results to the ultrasound. The Left leg showed no signs of any issues, but the Right hip does have a mild subluxation... Which means she has a little bit if hip dysplasia. This means that the femur head and the hip socket aren't lined up how they should be. The hip joint is able to move around. Next week there is a specialist that will be calling me to discuss what we do from here. She could possibly grow out of this on her own, she could need a brace just like I had, or she could need surgery (which is usually only in severe cases). I'm really hoping she grows out of it and won't have to have a brace, but we will see what the specialist thinks. So far it doesn't hurt her because she's not sitting up or using the hip at all. I have noticed however that when you hold her standing up, she will favor the right leg. It might be me thinking things up, but that's what I have seen... The wierd thing is that my right hip was the one that I had issues with as a newborn too. I'm just hoping and praying that everything will turn out right! 

Next week we will be celebrating Mel's baptism! I also have my 6 week check up on Wednesday so I'm hoping to get the "all clear" from the doctor to go back to work. I'm hoping to be back at work on the 10th... I miss work, but I'm not sure how ready I am to leave my baby girl :(  My incision is still tender, but it healed up very well and I only really notice it when I wear jeans or twist wrong. Mel also will hit the 6 week mark this coming week. 

To finish up-- here's a few of my favorite candids for now! 

Well. I will update again soon. I promise! 

Ros

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4 Weeks... Almost

It's been quite the ride, these past 4 weeks. On Thursday, Melanie will be 4 weeks old. I can't believe how fast time is flying by. I find myself laying in bed just starting at her throughout the day as I lay next to her while she naps. I look back on oictures from the day she was born and can't believe how much she has changed already. I can't wait for her to grow up and become the woman she will be some day, but at the same time I just want to push pause and continue on with the life of cuddles and kisses.... Don't forget the dirty diapers. 

I can't believe the joy and happiness that has been brought to this home through something so little. It's like having a baby puppy all over again, but better. :) Melanie had been such a blessing to both myself and Brad already, I can't wait to see what's in store for our family in the future.

This morning I got a smile on camera for the first time. This isn't by any means her first smile... She does it all the time... But I was pretty excited to get a picture for the first time today. :) she's just too cute! I snap way too many photos of her, and I'm sure many people are getting sick of my Facebook uploads, but in obsessed with my adorable little girl! 

Melanie has a routine that Brad and I have both kind of figured out. She sleeps a majority of the night besides 2 feedings , and she is awake around 8am and 8pm for an hour or two-- otherwise she mainly sleeps all day besides during feedings, diaper changes, and baths. She is a lot more alert than she was the first couple of weeks, and she recognizes my voice and face now. :) 

Today the little shit got two baths. She peed while I was changing her diaper, so she was pee from head to buttox. I got her in the tub and sat her down in the warm water and she was loving it. I got her all cleaned up, bubbled her up, and rinsed her off. I was letting her sit there in the tub while I turned around to grab her towel that I was sitting on, and when I turned back around, she farted.... More like sharted... In the tub... The water immediately turned orange/brown. As I comprehended what was going on.... I couldn't help but chuckle... Little miss got pulled out of the little tub while I filled it back up with clean, warm water, and we did the bath all over again. After bath#2, she was not happy that it was time to get out. She LOVES bath time... And I got this adorable little temper tantrum outbid her. I'm pretty sure that I won't be calling her tantrums adorable for too much longer, but today it was too cute. Her face when she's chewing me out.... It cracks me up.

Shortly after bath time, and her tummy was full, the little stinker slipped quietly into a milk coma and is now sleeping very co gently on my lap here in bed. I can't explain the love and compassion that I feel for this tiny body, but I love it. 

Anyways, tatah for now. We will catch you again next week! 

 

One Week <3

Today marks 1 weeks since Melanie was born. I cannot believe how fast time is flying already. 

We had her 1 week check up today with a pediatrician in Orange City. The doc says that she looks great for being an early baby. There is no signs of jaundice and she is now up to 6 lbs 8 oz. When we left the hospital on Sunday she was weighing 6 lbs 6 oz, so she has gained 2 oz. we have to go back again next week just to check up on her weight. They measured her today too and she grew 1/2 and inch this last week!

I cannot believe how fast the time is flying with this little turkey. Today was the first day that we actually got any fuss out of her. She cried for about a half hour straight tonight, nothing we did was making her happy, and finally she just sacked out and has been sleeping perfectly fine ever sense. She has been such a super good baby from the beginning. She already sleeps through the night. Our schedule is feeding at 9pm, then she sleeps until 1 am, which is when we feed again, and then she sleeps until around 530. I am not going to complain about this routine! I enjoy my sleep at night! 

I have taken more then enough pictures for the baby book. It's hard to believe my phone has any storage room left on it... Haha. She's just TOO CUTE!! I have been pretty awful about posting way too many pictures on Facebook too... I apologize about that. I am one of those mothers than thinks she's gotta share every silly moment with everyone! 

But, baby and dad are both laying on either side of me, sacked out. My eyes are starting to get heavy also. I will be posting again soon about baby Melanie and any updates that occur! 

Operation Room and Delivery

Thursday afternoon I was prepped for surgery. I was admitted into the hospital at 2:30 and our c section was scheduled for 5.

Earlier in the morning the dr explained to us that my water must have ruptured and was slowly leaking, which was why we were doing a c section that day. When they hooked me up to the monitor around 3pm, the monitor actually was picking to slight contractions, which I couldn't feel at first. They informed the dr that I was in fact going into labor, and the dr rushed over a little bit earlier than 5 and we were actually in surgery by 445. 

Dr. Madison is the dr who preformed the surgery. It was a very humbling, easy, relaxed surgery from what I was expecting, and I was really happy that Dr. Madison would be delivering me since he had done my entire pre-natal care. Brad got to watch them delivery Mel, I laid back and "CHILLED" while they did all the word work. I have had 2 other major surgerys before, and both of them I was put under for. I neverrealized just how chilly the operating room really was. I was SO cold. Brad aat least got to wear his normal clothes, plus a plastic suit, into the operating room, so he stayed fairly comfortable. I, on the other hand, was sprawled out on a table with just a hospital gown on. My arms were tied to the table, and I couldn't move an inch, besides from my chin up.

Melanie was delivered fairly quickly, with some slight stubbornness on not wanting to come out since she was so far up in my ribs. One of the nurse actually said this was on of the highest carrying babies they have ever delivered, and they deliver a LOT of babies here. While they stitched me all back up, brad kept me informed on what was going on with Mel. Being "paralized" from the chest down was hard to deal with- all I wanted to do was stand up and go grab my baby girl... but  I was stuck, on the table, cut wide open. Brad, luckily, wasw able to stand by and watch everything that Mel did for the first few minutes of her life while I layed on the table and impatiently waited to hold her for myself.

Aftr the surger was over, they placed Mels naked, little red body on my chest and wheeled us out of the operating room into the recovery room. Here we had a few short visits from the Grandparents that were there at the time. My dad, Missy, Bill, Cathy, Catherine, and Cassie were all there and all got to meet Melanie right away. They then left to go get some supper and I recovered from surgery, and was wheeled up to our maternity room where we would stay for the weekend. As my spinal began to wear off, I started to feel some aches and pains from the surgery, but shortly after I was settled into our new room, the nurses got me on my pain med schedule and the pain slowly eased into nothing more than a slight "tenderness".

We had a lot of visitors while at the hospital, and it was nice to see how many people we have that prayed and wished us the best in our new lives together. Life is a lot different now than it was a year ago, when we came home from the hospital empty handed and burried Paige a few das later. It feels amazing to be the mama of the PERFECT baby. Brad and I were talking about how we wonder what Paige would have been like had she made it to term and was delivered like normal. I imagine Paige to have been a little bit of a spit fire baby because Mel is just SO easy. I alsmost wonder if Paige is looking over Mel telling her she needs to behave herself since mom and dad have been through so much. Who knows.

Anyways, I appologize to anyone who is friends with me on Facebook.... I have pretty much blown up your news feed the past 5 days, and I appologize if that continues. I just can't get over how gorgeous and perfect my baby girl is. I couldn't imagine her to be ANY other way. I gave my approval stamp a long time ago, when I accepted the fact that I was pregnant, again, with our rainbow baby. Well, she is the perfect rainbow baby, and I can't WAIT to experience mre of motherhood.

Our first night home (Sunday Night) went really well. She woke up 3x during the night to eat, and other than that, she slept the entire night. Last night was our 2nd night home. She got a sponge bath, filled her tummy, and went to bed around 9pm last night. She slept through the entire night besides waking up at midnight and 5:30 am to eat. I cannot believe she slept 5 1/2 hours straight in the middle of the night! My baby girl is amazing. She is doing so well, and I wouldn't trade anything about her for anything! Today is day 2 of being home. Right now Mel is sleeping nexzt to me in bed while I type this new post. I love watching her sleep and all the silly faces she pulls. I would love to know what she is dreaming about!

Anyways.

This mama is ready for a quick nap before baby is ready to eat again in a while. I'll try my best to keep up on blogging through the next few weeks to keep you updated on Mel and how she is doing.

Ta Ta For Now,

Roslyn

Melanie Rose Punt

Thursday, January 23rd at 5:04 pm, a 7lb, 19in, pink package was delivered to Brad and I.

What a blessing. 

Words absolutely cannot describe the love, joy, excitement, and hundreds of other emotions that filled the OR room the moment Melanie screamed for the first time. Everyone present knew about our past delivery of Paige, and they made Melanie's delivery that much more special for us. I cannot describe the emotion that overtook my paralyzed body the instant I saw that face for the first time. 

They always say that when you see your baby, it's love at first sight. Mine was love at first scream. I didn't get to see Mel right away as I was behind the blue tarp and she was being processes by the nursing staff-- but the moment that those lungs hailed out their first noises, my heart rate skyrocketed and my emotions overtook my tremoring body. 16 months of pregnancy, and my dream is here. Melanie Rose. My precious rainbow baby has arrived, and she has made her presence known. 

I cannot believe the amazing feeling that has overcome by body and the amazing feeling that motherhood has instilled upon my soul. There is this amazing peace that has become a very encouraging and comfortable feeling present among my life now. 

Thursday morning we went to the dr expecting to return home that evening, put a few more weeks of light duty work in, and prepare a little more each day as our due date crawled closer and closer. Brad and I joked about how we might get lucky and have a baby by the end of the day... Little did we know: that's exactly what God had planned. 

We had an ultrasound scheduled at 10:15 am. The ultrasound tec assured us that everything looked good with baby, but that the chord was in fact still around the neck and we probably would not be going through with the inversion that afternoon. Dr. McNamara wanted to visit with us and catch a few pictures himself before the official decision was made. He came in to the ultrasound room a while later and pointed out that the chord was around the neck and that my fluid was really low. The next words out of his mouth shook me to the core with excitement, fear, and stress.... The doc stated... "Today looks like a good day to have a baby!".... Gulp! Brad started grinning from ear to ear while I sat in awe, looking at the images on the screen of our little one and how, in a matter of hours, I would be holding her in my arms. 

We preceded to see dr. Madison shortly after that, and scheduled our c section for 5pm. 

The 2.5 hours between the end of our visit with Dr. Madison and when I was admitted into the hospital at 2:30 for preparation of the surgery took forever. I was absolutely famished from not eating that morning, and all I wanted was to eat. Even if I was allowed to, I probably wouldn't have eaten as I was that nervous about this c section. 

They prepped me for surgery, and we got in contact with a few family members so they could start spreading the word for us. Brad and I were so excited to know that our lives were about to change... A tiny little package, that would mean so much, was about to be delivered to us, and we were ecstatic! 

Well- it's late; mama is exhausted and Mel and daddy are both sleeping. I'll finish with the rest of our story tomorrow, after this mama gets some much needed sleep. 

Good night world, 

Love,

Brad, Roz, and baby Melanie 

36 Weeks and The "unknown"...

Today marks 36 weeks, 1 day. This leaves us 27 days until our due date.... FREAKY!!!

February 11 seems so far away, yet I can't believe that we have less than (+/- a few days) 4 weeks left! We are officially to the stage where we will be seeing Dr. Madison and Dr. Boyle (the specialist that we originally saw at the beginning of the pregnancy) every week.

We are still measuring according to where we should be at 36 weeks. The Dr. used the little pocket-ultrasound and confirmed that the baby is STILL breech, and the chord is STILL around the neck. NOT what I was wanting to hear today.... I was hoping to start some acupuncture next week with the Chiro to get baby girl to flip, but with the chord around the neck, it is suggested NOT to "force" her to flip, but to let nature take it's course.

This past week has been a total DRAG. I am SO exhausted, my feet are the size of footballs by 3pm, my hands, face, feet all swell like a sponge in warm water.... I can't get comfortable enough to sleep through the night, I PEE CONSTANTLY it seems like.... I am READY for this BABY to GET HERE! hahaha. I think just about every mama says that towards the end of their pregnancy. I know after delivery, I'll miss the pregnancy thing, but for right now, I'm pretty ready to meet this bundle of pink....

So: Whats the future looking like with delivery?..... can anyone answer that knowing the real truth?? Don't think so......

Next week Wednesday, at 37 weeks, we are scheduled for:
          1) Ultrasound to determine
                a) location of umbilical chord (around neck or un-wrapped and normal)
                b) if baby is still breech, or if she magically turned on her own
           2) Regular Dr. Visit to:
                a) discuss the ultrasound findings.....
                       i. if breech AND chord wrapped around neck: no inversion, scheduled c-section
                       ii. if breech and NO chord wrapped around neck: schedule inversion for 38 weeks with normal delivery an option as long as baby is stable during labor
                      iii. if NOT breech, but chord still around neck: scheduled c-section
                      iv. if NOT breech, and chord normal and NOT around neck: normal delivery an option as long as baby is stable during labor
              b) Discuss Scheduled C-Section: Would be scheduled sometime during the week of my due date
              c) Discuss Emergency C-Section: in case of labor onset before scheduled c-section IF normal
delivery is not an option
              d) Discuss Scheduling Inversion: what it consists of, what I need to do to prep, etc.
       3) Tour of the "Birth Place" which is where Brad and I will be staying during me and baby's hospital stay. The tour is so that we know where to go when we arrive at the hospital during labor/ when c-section is scheduled, to let us know where we will be staying, where baby girl will be held when at the "nursery", and other stuff like the cafeteria, etc.

The whole C-Section thing was a pretty big shock to me as I have been pretty skeptical to the idea since the beginning. C-Section is one of my biggest issues with delivery, and now that I'm looking at the big picture, I realize that this may be my only option. I'm pretty freaked out about the whole idea, but, am willing to do what is necessary to ensure baby girl is delivered safely. She is what matters right now, I was just hoping to have that normal delivery experience. Brad thinks C-section is the best route to go, but I am still scared to take on the physical limitations and pain of a surgery like this. I'm just worried about the "after effects" of a C-section more than a normal delivery. ... Maybe some moms out there who have experienced C-sections have words of advice for me to prevent this nervousness from overtaking me... but for now, I am still hoping that baby girl makes the decision to un-ravel herself from her chord, and to flip on her own so that normal delivery is still an option. I'll just keep hoping, and trusting this little one knows what she is doing... We will see next week Wednesday I guess...

Welp. It's bedtime here in the Punt household. Both dogs are already sacked at my feet, and I'm about 2 seconds away from passing out also. So, I'll post again next Wednesday after our 38 week appointment on our updated news about baby!
                 

1 Month.....!!! 31 days....

Alright ladies....

Baby Girl is just around the corner! The hospital bags are packed, the car seat is ready to go, newborn and 0-3 month clothes are all washed, hung up, and put away in the dresser.... The camera is charged and packed, birth plan filled out, I feel"prepared".... For now. 

So what's the point of this post...?? 

I'm curious.... And possibly looking for a few laughs. A lot of women feel like they don't want to overload a mom-to-be with advice and information.... Well, I'm asking for it. Below are a few subject ideas that I'm curious on, and am looking for "advice". So if you have any.... Feel free to leave a comment here, or on my shared Facebook post!! 

1) What's the best advice you can give me about taking home a newborn baby with dogs in the house. ... Or just general advice on taking home a newborn.... Lol 

2) what were your "signs and symptoms" of labor and how did you figure out it was "time" for the hospital? I'm kinda worried about the 1 hour drive to Sioux Falls!! Lol. 

3) Where and How did your water break? Lol. This is my biggest fear right now.... I don't wanna be stranded in the grocery store with a trail following me everywhere or something.... "Only at Wal-Mart" comes into mind.... 

4) Did anyone have "a Hunch" their little one was just around the corner? Like, had a gut feeling baby was closer than everyone else thought? 

Anyways. There are a few subjects that I feel "lost" on. So if there's any help out there... Share your secrets!! 

I return to the Dr on Wednesday, so we will see what he has to say about baby girl. I'm hoping baby girl waits another 10 days at least to arrive since daddy is currently on his way out to Denver for the 2014 National Stock Show... But.... WE WILL SEE!! :) 

35 Weeks

We had another check up last week with the doctor in Sioux Falls. Everything is well, for now. 

Baby girl is still in the breech position, which is keeping mom on her toes. I'm getting really annoyed with having a forehead in my bottom rib. Doctor Madison will check up on her position again next week Wednesday when I go in for our 36 week check up. If she is still in the breech position at 37 weeks, he will schedule me for an inversion on week 38. He said this is a painful and stressful procedure for me and the baby, and he really hopes that she decides to flip by herself before then. Well, she officially has 3 weeks to learn how to do a flip. If she doesn't, bad news for both of us. I would prefer to NOT have to endure an inversion!! 

I will not be able to deliver naturally if she doesn't stay in the correct position after she flips, wether that's via inversion or she decides to flip herself. If she returns to the breech position prior to labor, we will be undergoing a c-section. No thank you, baby girl!!! Let's quit acting like your father and get your stubborn butt in position!! Hehehe. 

I have been dealing with a huge lack of sleep lately, along with a lot of hip and back pain. I have been seeing the chiropractor religiously, every 2 weeks to keep my back aligned. Needless to say, it's not helping my hips. My job is very physical and I am on my feet all day, and I bed and twist a lot. I spend many nights in bed, aching. Warm showers help, but they don't erase the misery of laying in bed, throbbing. I have, however decreased from 12 hour days (all through the summer), and have weaned myself to a maximum of 6 hour days. I am getting better at realizing where my "done" point is am during the day, and relieve myself from work. 

It's really hard to believe that within the next 5ish weeks, our little girl will be here. It's hard to believe that we will be parents!!! I feel so unprepared, but excited and ready for the challenge at the same time. I know brad is pretty excited. He talks about it a lot. He is ready to be a daddy, and it's really cute to watch him talk about what he things the future holds. This past week I have been working on packing "hospital bags" for us all. It's really sinking in that, she's that close!! 

Anyways- I will update again next week about our doctor appointment that we have on Wednesday. I'm hoping baby flips by then, but who knows. If she's half as stubborn as her father, she will wait until last minute to do what mom asks!!